Madrid launches autonomous taxi pilot with 20 mapping vehicles

Madrid has launched a pilot project for autonomous taxis, marking a significant step toward level 4 self-driving technology in Spain. An initial fleet of 20 vehicles, equipped with lidar sensors, HD cameras, and peripheral radars, has begun mapping the city's streets to create precise three-dimensional maps.

The project has received authorization from the DGT. During this preliminary phase, the vehicles are traversing strategic districts and major roads, such as the A-1, to collect geographic data. While the technology allows for absolute machine control, human operators remain behind the wheel to supervise the vehicles and manage unexpected traffic situations, such as roadworks or pedestrian movements. The data gathered will be used to refine the central algorithms before commercial trips without on-board supervisors are authorized.