Robotaxis coming to London pose a threat to traditional cabbies who memorize 25,000 streets to earn licenses

Ana Maria Rus

London's black cab drivers, already besieged by rideshare companies, may soon face another threat: AI-powered, autonomous taxis.  Yet many drivers feel they can offer something that AI can't  – deep knowledge of the city's ancient streets and medieval alleyways. To get a cab license, drivers must pass the Knowledge, a 161-year-old test that requires memorizing  25,000 streets and thousands of landmarks and businesses. The exam process also tests an aspiring cabbie's ability to determine the