• The primary driver of interest in robotaxis across both markets is the sense of excitement, cited by 23% of respondents in the US and 21% in China. This is followed by motivations such as convenience and the appeal of personal space.
• However, among individuals in both countries who have used robotaxis, safety emerged as the most significant area for improvement. US respondents highlighted a lack of trust in autonomous technology. Chinese respondents scored high on having a certain degree of anxiety related to riding in a robotaxi or not being in control.
• In the US, 64% of respondents either agree or strongly agree that robotaxi technology is not yet sufficiently mature for widespread deployment.
• In China, 43% of respondents reported an increase in public transportation usage compared to the previous year.

Beijing, San Jose, New Delhi, Hong Kong, Seoul, London, Buenos Aires, Taipei, Tokyo – July 15, 2025

Many companies, such as Waymo, Tesla, WeRide, and Baidu’s Apollo, are testing robotaxis and subsequently introducing them in select markets. Since these companies have been deploying these vehicles in major metropolitan areas in two of the largest automotive markets, the United States and China, the technology has generated significant interest. Development and deployment involve high costs. Commercialization is limited to a few pioneering companies, such as Waymo, and adoption has steadily increased since. Although we believe robotaxi companies have conducted research regarding consumer perspectives on robotaxis, our research indicates there is significant room for improvement in providing a safe experience for robotaxi service customers.

Robotaxis have sparked both fascination and apprehension among consumers, offering a novel, tech-driven mobility experience. Today, robotaxi services have been operational in select cities across the US and China for about a year or so, completing millions of rides. With growing consumer familiarity, Counterpoint Research conducted an in-depth survey in these two leading markets to better understand how users perceive the robotaxi experience and their expectations for the future of autonomous mobility. According to Counterpoint Research’s latest Mobility Trends and Robotaxi Study: 2025 Report, where 2000 consumers in the US and 2000 consumers in China were surveyed, respectively, the main reason robotaxis appeal to them is the ”excitement” factor in both the US (23%) and China (21%). This is followed by factors such as convenience and personal space.

Factors that make Robotaxis Appealing

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Counterpoint Research is a global market research firm specializing in products across the technology ecosystem. We advise a diverse range of clients – from smartphone OEMs to chipmakers and channel players to Big Tech – through our offices located in the world's major innovation hubs, manufacturing clusters and commercial centers. Our analyst team, led by seasoned experts, engages with stakeholders across the enterprise – from the C-suite to professionals in strategy, analyst relations (AR), market intelligence (MI), business intelligence (BI), product and marketing – to deliver services spanning market data, industry thought leadership and consulting. Our core areas of coverage include AI, Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Displays, eSIM, IoT, Location Platforms, Macroeconomics, Manufacturing, Networks and Infrastructure, Semiconductors, Smartphones and Wearables. Visit our Insights page to explore our publicly available market data, insights and thought leadership, and to understand our focus, meet our analysts and start a conversation.

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