We rode in dozens of driverless robotaxis in China. Here's what we saw — and our advice for other curious travelers.

Bryant Walker Smith, the main author, in a Baidu Apollo robotaxi in Wuhan.

Courtesy of Bryant Walker Smith

• Bryant Walker Smith and Sven Beiker have spent hours riding in both Chinese and American robotaxis.
• China's robotaxis aren't perfect, but they're ahead of most of the world, they say.
• Quirks like tricky apps and long waits are part of the experience of early robotaxi riding.

Intrigued by automated driving? Perhaps you've already tried one of the real Waymo or Zoox robotaxis in the United States.