Minsk Embraces the Future: Self-Driving Taxis with Yandex

Belarus's capital, Minsk, is gearing up for the introduction of future technologies: the city could soon see the arrival of self-driving taxis, or robotaxis. This ambitious project is being discussed at the level of the Belarusian government and the Russian technological leader, Yandex. Although the exact launch dates have not yet been announced, it is expected that Minsk residents will be able to try out autonomous transport in the coming years. In this article, we will explain what a self-driving taxi is, how Yandex is implementing similar projects, and what Minsk residents can expect.

What is a self-driving taxi?

A self-driving taxi is a vehicle that moves on roads without a driver's involvement. It is controlled by artificial intelligence, and for spatial orientation, it uses lidars, cameras, and radars. These cars are capable of recognizing road signs, pedestrians, and other vehicles, ensuring safe and comfortable travel. Yandex has already successfully launched robotaxis in several cities, including Moscow and Sochi, which confirms the reliability of the technology.

Collaboration with Yandex

At a meeting between Belarusian Prime Minister Alexander Turchin and Yandex representatives, the prospects for introducing autonomous transport in the country were discussed. The head of government noted that he associates the company not only with taxis but also with advanced developments in the field of AI. Among the key ideas are the launch of robotaxis in Minsk and the organization of autonomous transport connections between the capital and satellite cities. Additionally, Yandex offered car rental services equipped with driver monitoring devices.

Yandex's successful experience

Yandex began testing self-driving cars back in 2018. In 2023, robotaxis started operating in Sochi, and since 2024, the service has been available in Moscow. In the Russian capital, the cars operate from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., transporting passengers without drivers. At the project's start in Moscow, the cars were accompanied by operators for safety, but now they function fully autonomously. This experience shows that Yandex is ready to scale the technology to other regions, including Minsk.

When to expect self-driving taxis in Minsk?

The exact launch date for robotaxis in Minsk is still unknown. However, considering the active negotiations and Yandex's successful projects in other cities, it can be assumed that the service will appear in the Belarusian capital in the coming years. Most likely, in the initial stage, it will operate in a test mode with a limited number of routes and vehicles, as was the case in Moscow. Gradually, the service may expand to cover the entire city and suburbs.

How will this affect Minsk?

The introduction of self-driving taxis promises to bring many benefits to Minsk:

• Convenience and accessibility: Residents will be able to move around the city quickly and comfortably.
• Reduced road congestion: Artificial intelligence will optimize traffic flow, reducing traffic jams.
• Safety: Autonomous vehicles will minimize the risk of accidents caused by human error.

However, there are also challenges. For example, it will be necessary to update legislation to regulate the operation of robotaxis. It is also important to ensure passenger safety and address the issue of potential job losses for traditional taxi drivers.

Conclusion

The launch of self-driving taxis in Minsk is not just a technological breakthrough but also an opportunity for the city to become a model of innovation in Eastern Europe. Collaboration with Yandex opens up prospects for Belarus to develop autonomous transport, which will make the lives of city residents more convenient and safer. While we await official announcements, it is already clear: the future of transportation in Minsk is just around the corner.