The robotaxi industry may accelerate this year as Tesla enters the fray and federal legislators and administrators take a friendlier view toward these self-driving vehicles. Robotaxis already carry passengers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, and Austin, Texas, and operators plan to add more cities later this year. 

There may be some speed bumps along the way, however. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration asked Tesla for information on the technology it plans to use to safely operate driverless ride-hailing vehicles. Waymo recalled more than 1,200 vehicles May 12, and Zoox issued a voluntary software recall May 23, both over collision concerns. In addition to concerns about safety issues, experts have voiced concerns about the environmental impact of robotaxis, increased traffic congestion and reduced use of public transportation.

Here’s a selection of Smart Cities Dive’s recent coverage of robotaxis.