The Robo-Taxi Revolution in China

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This chapter delves into the burgeoning autonomous vehicle service Apollo Go by Baidu in Wuhan, highlighting its rapid growth and significant adoption despite operational challenges. It also examines the economic implications for the ride-hailing industry, tensions with traditional taxi drivers, and the contrasting development trajectories of Chinese and American competitors in this emerging market.

Sheikh Hasina, who led the country for 20 of the past 28 years with an increasingly authoritarian grip, was ultimately undone by student protests that would not be quelled. China may be world-leading in autonomous taxis—but our ride in one is not without complications (9:00). And remembering Thomas Neff, who rid the world of a third of its nukes (16:38).

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