In a recent press release dated June 23, 2026, TaskUs, Inc. (Nasdaq: TASK) unveiled the findings from its 2026 AV Trust Consumer Survey, highlighting a notable increase in the interest and curiosity surrounding robotaxis among U.S. consumers. While the survey indicates a growing willingness to embrace this innovative transportation option, it also underscores significant barriers that still need to be addressed for widespread adoption.

1. Key Insights from the Survey

The survey provided several key takeaways regarding consumer sentiments towards robotaxis:

Curiosity vs. Nervousness: The top two feelings expressed by consumers were curiosity (42%) and nervousness (41%). This reflects a complex relationship with the technology, where interest is tempered by apprehension.

Opportunity Gap: A striking 41% of respondents indicated that they had never ridden in a robotaxi primarily because they lacked the opportunity to do so.

Trust Levels: Among consumers in cities where robotaxis are available, nearly one-quarter (23%) fully trust them, a stark contrast to only 4% of those living in areas without access to robotaxis.

Likelihood of Adoption: The survey found that 38% of Americans are likely to try a robotaxi in the next year, indicating a significant potential market for this emerging technology.

Generational Trust: The survey also revealed generational differences in trust towards robotaxis. Gen Z leads with 29% expressing full trust in robotaxis to handle unexpected scenarios, followed by Millennials (28%), Gen X (24%), and Baby Boomers (11%).

2. The Role of Access in Building Trust

Nick Allen, Head of Autonomous Vehicle, Mobility, & Logistics Solutions at TaskUs, emphasized that access is a critical factor influencing consumer confidence. “Consumers are signaling curiosity and openness to robotaxis, but that interest can’t translate into real-world adoption without widespread availability,” he remarked. The survey suggests that cities with established robotaxi services see higher trial rates and acceptance compared to areas without such options.

3. Mixed Emotions Toward Safety

The survey also explored consumer perceptions of safety concerning robotaxis, revealing a divided opinion:

Safety Perceptions: About 35% of respondents believe robotaxis are safer than human drivers, whereas 38% perceive them as less safe.

Concerns About Safety: Primary concerns include fears of accidents or system failure (43%), followed by a lack of control (22%) and uncertainty about the technology (13%). Notably, only 7% reported having no safety concerns at all.

Confidence in Human Oversight: When it comes to emergency situations, only 17% of consumers feel “very” confident in human operators’ ability to intervene effectively, underscoring a need for improved trust in human oversight within autonomous systems.

4. Building Consumer Confidence Through Transparency

As consumers express their hesitations, the survey highlighted several demands that could bolster trust:

Proven Safety Data: Nearly half of respondents (48%) want access to robust safety statistics.

Control Mechanisms: A similar percentage (47%) emphasized the importance of having the ability to take control of the vehicle if needed.

Transparency: Full transparency regarding incidents was cited by 46% of consumers as a crucial element for building trust.

Regulatory Support: Additional factors that could improve adoption include increased government regulation (29%) and positive reviews from other passengers (27%).

5. Generational Divide in Robotaxi Adoption

The survey indicated a pronounced generational divide in attitudes toward robotaxi usage. Nearly half of Baby Boomers (48%) expressed that they are very unlikely to try a robotaxi in the next 12 months, while interest is significantly higher among younger generations—only 13% of Gen Z reported being unlikely to try one.

6. Conclusion

The TaskUs 2026 AV Trust Consumer Survey paints a picture of a burgeoning interest in robotaxis among U.S. consumers, marked by curiosity and cautious optimism. However, the data also reveals that significant barriers remain, particularly concerning access, safety perceptions, and trust in technology.

As companies in the autonomous vehicle sector work to address these challenges, the findings from TaskUs highlight the importance of transparency, safety assurances, and access to build a foundation of consumer confidence that could drive the future of robotaxi adoption.

Original press release