Munich tests robotaxis with safety drivers still required

Several companies are testing autonomous taxis on Munich’s roads, but initial bookable rides planned for next year will still include a safety driver, BR24 reports.

The vehicles have been visible on the city’s streets for about three months. Cameras mounted on their roofs provide data used by artificial intelligence to control the cars.

BR reporter René Kirsch travelled in one of the self-driving taxis and reported on his experience during a BR24 live broadcast. BR24 also spoke with Prof. Markus Lienkamp, an autonomous-driving expert at the Technical University of Munich. The university has been conducting tests for some time, focusing on use in public transport.

Autobrains aims to stop using safety drivers entirely by the end of 2027. The university considers 2030 a more realistic target, saying that the necessary approvals, including those from the Federal Motor Transport Authority, could take time.