Baidu, a Chinese tech giant, faced backlash on social media after one of its driverless ride-hailing cars hit a pedestrian in Wuhan. The incident occurred when the pedestrian reportedly crossed against the light. Baidu stated that the car began moving when the light turned green and had minor contact with the pedestrian, who was taken to a hospital with no obvious external injuries. The incident highlights the challenges that autonomous driving technology faces in complex situations, especially when dealing with unconventional behavior such as pedestrians violating traffic laws.
The Chinese financial news outlet Yicai quoted an expert who mentioned that autonomous driving technology may have limitations when dealing with unexpected behaviors from other vehicles or pedestrians. Images posted online showed the driverless car with rooftop sensors, and social media comments largely supported Baidu, noting that the pedestrian had broken the law by crossing against the light. This incident raises questions about the safety and effectiveness of autonomous driving technology in handling unpredictable situations on the road.
Baidu is a leader in the development of autonomous driving technology in China and operates the largest “robotaxi” fleet in Wuhan, with 300 cars. The company’s ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, also operates in limited parts of Beijing, Shenzhen, and Chongqing. In May, Baidu launched the sixth generation of its driverless taxi, showcasing its commitment to advancing autonomous driving technology in the country. Despite this incident, Baidu continues to innovate and expand its autonomous driving operations in various cities across China.
The incident in Wuhan underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and reliability of autonomous driving technology, especially in busy urban environments. As the technology continues to evolve, companies like Baidu must address the challenges of dealing with unexpected situations on the road, such as pedestrians crossing against the light. By improving the capabilities of driverless cars to handle complex scenarios, companies can enhance the overall safety and efficiency of autonomous driving systems in the future.
While the driverless car hitting a pedestrian in Wuhan sparked controversy on social media, many users supported Baidu’s position, noting that the pedestrian was at fault for crossing against the light. This incident serves as a reminder of the ethical and legal considerations that come with deploying autonomous driving technology in society. As companies like Baidu work towards improving the safety and reliability of driverless cars, it is essential to address public concerns and ensure that autonomous vehicles can navigate complex situations on the road effectively and responsibly.
