Robotaxis remain a curiosity in Europe, but those who have tried them tend to have fond memories of the experience. That is one of the findings of a report by the Institute for Mobility at the University of St. Gallen (HSG), produced in partnership with Mobileye, an Israeli company specialising in autonomous driving. The document is presented by Fintechnews Switzerland, which does not give its exact title.

What the study measured

The report combines two approaches: the views of industry specialists and a nationwide consumer survey in Germany. It seeks to explain why robotaxis should be launched in Europe, to assess the key elements of the market and the state of the industry, and to pin down users' perceptions and intentions. The survey, conducted with Uranos, polled more than 2,500 people in Germany in February and March 2026. The source details neither the data collection method, nor the composition of the sample, nor the margin of error.

A familiar concept, marginal use

First finding: two thirds of respondents are familiar with the concept of a robotaxi, but only 2% have ever used one. The authors see this as a reflection of the absence of established services in Europe, unlike in the United States or China.

Among those who have taken the plunge, the verdict is favourable: around 30% report a positive experience and would take a robotaxi again, while 34% rate it as average and might consider doing so again. The article does not specify the basis on which these percentages are calculated. If they cover users only, they rest on a small subgroup of the sample, which calls for caution.

Price first, safety second

For shared robotaxis, which pick up other passengers in the manner of an autonomous shuttle, cost is the leading criterion: 49% of respondents would consider them if they helped reduce their spending. They also want sharing not to cost them time (38%) and would like to know their fellow passengers in advance (17%).

The survey also includes reluctant respondents: 29% know about robotaxis but do not wish to use them. Among them, most give no specific reason and 42% say they are satisfied with their current mobility. Safety also weighs in: 34% cite their fears about autonomous driving. The perceived cost of a ride is also among the main concerns of German respondents. In this regard, Fintechnews recalls several incidents in the United States, including the safety review currently targeting Tesla's robotaxis.

Limitations to keep in mind

Three caveats are in order. First, the experience rated positively concerns only a very small share of the surveyed population, since only 2% have ever taken a robotaxi. Second, the report is co-produced with Mobileye, a company in the autonomous driving sector; the source does not say how this collaboration was framed methodologically. Finally, the survey covers Germany, one of the most advanced European markets in this field. The Ordinance on the Approval and Operation of Autonomous Vehicles (AFGBV), which came into force in 2022, sets a legal framework there for level 3 and 4 vehicles, where control rests mainly or exclusively with the vehicle. Respondents therefore live in a country where the subject is already regulated.

What about Switzerland?

The Fintechnews article presents no data on Switzerland or on Swiss users. The German figures therefore cannot be transposed as they stand. They do, however, offer a frame of reference: awareness far outstrips use, and acceptance seems to depend above all on price and confidence in safety. For the Swiss market, these are hypotheses to be tested, not established results.

Looking ahead, the source indicates that more than 100 autonomous vehicle pilot projects have been launched in Europe, and that MOIA, the Volkswagen Group's shared transport provider, has announced an expansion from Hamburg to Berlin, Oslo and Los Angeles. Industry players describe 2026 as "the year of robotaxi expansion". These are projections; the source mentions no service planned in Switzerland.

Sources