Baidu's Robotaxis Stall in Wuhan, Causing Traffic Chaos and Safety Concerns

On April 1, 2026, multiple robotaxis operated by Baidu's Apollo Go stalled in Wuhan, China, due to a system malfunction, stranding passengers and causing traffic disruptions. Local police reported that at least 100 vehicles were affected, with some passengers trapped for up to two hours. Passengers were able to exit the vehicles safely, and no injuries were reported. The incident has reignited discussions about the safety of autonomous vehicles in urban environments. Videos shared on social media depicted passengers attempting to contact customer service while stuck in traffic. Baidu has not disclosed the specific cause of the malfunction, and investigations are ongoing. The company operates over 1,000 robotaxis in Wuhan and has expanded its services internationally. This incident follows previous safety concerns regarding autonomous vehicles in China and the U.S.

Key Points: • At least 100 Baidu Apollo Go robotaxis stalled in Wuhan due to a system malfunction. • Passengers were trapped for up to two hours, but no injuries were reported. • The incident raises ongoing safety concerns about autonomous vehicle operations.