Topical Talk

Robotaxis: the future of mobility?

Is anyone in the driver’s seat? Exploring the pros and cons of driverless vehicles.

Collage of pages from the “Robotaxis: the future of mobility?” teaching resource showing the cover and lesson plan

Published 12 December 2025

About this lesson

Robotaxis already operate in cities such as San Francisco and Shanghai. In late 2025 Waymo, an American driverless taxi firm, and its Chinese counterpart, Apollo Go, announced plans to expand their services to London and Abu Dhabi. Self-driving electric cars could lead to safer roads and lower pollution–but will they put human drivers out of work?.

Some people say driverless cars are the future of mobility. Others do not trust them.

Use this lesson to help students:

  • Explore how driverless vehicles could change how people travel
  • Discuss the ethical and practical consequences of adopting this technology
  • Consider alternative modes of transport we might use in the future

These teaching resources are supported by KPMG. The Economist Educational Foundation maintained full editorial control.

Skills and knowledge

  • Speaking

    Step 7: Expressing self
    I use tone, expression and gesture to be understood
    Did you use tone, expression and gestures to express yourself in the negotiation?

    Step 11: Speaking engagingly
    I communicate in a way that is engaging for my audience
    Did you speak engagingly when communicating within your group?

    Step 16: Inspiring others
    I communicate a vision persuasively
    Did you persuade others when negotiating in your group?

  • Knowledge

    I know that robotaxis are driverless vehicles that are expanding into more global wealthy cities
    Why aren’t robotaxis in all cities at the moment?

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