Guiyang Autonomous Minibus Crash Traps Passengers

Recently, a traffic accident occurred in downtown Guiyang involving an MPV and a Level 4 autonomous minibus—RoboBus—developed by PIXMoving. At the time of the incident, there were passengers aboard the RoboBus. However, due to its single-side door design, the MPV blocked the only exit, preventing passengers from disembarking on their own. On-site observations indicated that both vehicles were traveling at low speeds. The MPV showed clear scraping marks on the driver’s side, but neither vehicle sustained structural damage. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation. The RoboBus involved is an autonomous minibus developed by PIXMoving, featuring a capsule-shaped body without a traditional driver’s cabin. Its interior can be flexibly configured with seating for 6 to 15 passengers. Built on PIX’s proprietary modular skateboard chassis, the vehicle integrates drive-by-wire steering, braking, and propulsion systems, enabling advanced autonomous driving capabilities. Currently, this model is operating in demonstration services in areas such as Guiyang High-tech Industrial Development Zone and Shubo Avenue, providing shuttle services for business parks and tourist attractions. It operates at speeds between 20 and 40 km/h and has a minimum turning radius of 7 meters, making it well-suited for narrow streets and complex urban environments.