‘System failure’ disables Baidu’s bots in China

A robotaxis powered by Baidu’s Apollo Go has been parked in Wuhan, China, sometimes stranding passengers for up to two hours, according to several media reports and numerous videos and TV shows.

Baidu did not explain what caused the spread. However, local police said it was a “system failure” that affected 100 robotaxis, Reuters reported. An unknown technical error caused the robotaxis to freeze suddenly – and sometimes in dangerous places such as motorways, according to Wired. Police are still investigating the matter.

Baidu did not respond to TechCrunch’s email request for comment.

Baidu is one of the largest robotaxi operators in China and has expanded into the Middle East. Last year, the company said it planned to deliver more than 1,000 cars to Dubai over the next few years.

The recent shutdown of Baidu is the latest incident to raise questions about the safety of robots and their impact on local communities. And it’s not just isolated to China. A widespread power outages in California last December they wiped out the lights, causing Waymo cars to shut down.