Self-Driving Delivery Van Pulls Scooter in Viral Clip | Carscoops

      Another case involving the same autonomous vehicle model was reported the following day in China, where a minor collision occurred.

      A self-driving delivery van was recorded dragging a fallen e-scooter in Xi’an, China. The next day, another van from the same company rear-ended a parked SUV while under manual control. Jiushi Intelligent Technology intends to update its algorithms to better manage challenging situations.

      Although autonomous vehicles are often considered safer than human drivers – at least theoretically – they are not free from errors. A recent incident in China showed a driverless delivery van capturing footage of itself dragging an electric scooter. Just one day later, another vehicle from the same manufacturer was involved in a rear-end accident.

      Before imagining a chaotic future with machines losing control, it's important to note that the driverless van created by Jiushi Intelligent Technology Co. is likely less culpable than it may seem.

      The first incident, which was filmed, occurred in Xi’an. Reports from Sina indicate that the electric scooter was already on the road due to a previous accident. As the autonomous van attempted to maneuver around the debris, it unintentionally caught part of the scooter with its wheels.

      The van reportedly dragged the scooter for a distance before coming to a stop. Notably, the video reveals that the vehicle continued moving straight, even with one wheel jammed. This raises concerns about what might have occurred if a person or animal had been caught instead.

      The company asserts that this was the first incident of this nature. In response, they have committed to enhancing their algorithms to better manage oddly-shaped obstacles encountered on the road.

      The second incident took place the very next day on April 9, when the same company's van collided with the rear of a parked Lynk&Co 08 SUV. The company stated that the van was in manual mode at that time, being remotely controlled with its autonomous features turned off. The reason behind the operator’s decision to drive into the back of a parked vehicle remains unknown. Fortunately, the accident occurred at a low speed, and no injuries were reported.

      Launched in 2024, this driverless van is marketed as “the most advanced autonomous driving logistics vehicle in the world.” It operates without a cockpit, relying solely on cameras and sensors to navigate urban areas. We can only hope that the company learns valuable lessons from these incidents and implements the necessary measures to prevent future occurrences.