Shares of Pony AI Inc (PONY) plummeted 5.89% in intraday trading on Wednesday, as investors grappled with a mixed outlook for the robotaxi industry. The sharp decline comes amid growing concerns about the challenges facing autonomous vehicle companies, despite potential profitability on the horizon.

A recent analysis of the robotaxi sector highlighted both promising developments and significant hurdles for companies like Pony AI. While analysts forecast that Pony AI could achieve profitability by 2029, the path to success remains fraught with obstacles. These challenges include regulatory uncertainties, potential safety concerns, and the need for substantial cost reductions in autonomous vehicle technology.

The report also emphasized the intensifying competition in the robotaxi space, with major players like Waymo, Tesla, and WeRide vying for market share. While Pony AI has made strides in reducing costs and improving its technology, investors appear to be recalibrating their expectations for the company's near-term performance. The stock's decline reflects growing skepticism about the timeline for widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles and the ability of companies like Pony AI to overcome persistent technological and regulatory hurdles.