Articles tagged with "Uber"
Uber is literally in the driver’s seat when it comes to AV bets
The article discusses Uber's significant investment in autonomous vehicle (AV) technology, highlighted by its recent $1 billion funding commitment to self-driving truck startup Waabi. This deal includes $750 million upfront and an additional $250 million contingent on deployment milestones, signaling Uber's strategic expansion beyond trucks into the robotaxi market. Waabi, founded by former Uber AI chief Raquel Urtasun, aims to deploy over 25,000 robotaxis, leveraging a "simulation-first" approach that may differentiate it from other AV companies. Uber currently partners with more than 20 AV companies worldwide, reflecting a broad "bet-on-everything" strategy in the autonomous vehicle space. The article raises the question of whether this diversified approach will pay off, given the challenges of AV deployment. The discussion, featured on the Equity podcast, explores Uber’s AV partnership strategy, Waabi’s unique technology, and broader industry trends. The piece also briefly introduces Theresa Loconsolo, a TechCrunch audio producer who contributes to
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-trucksrobotaxisAIUbersimulation-technologyWaabi Robotaxis, What? - CleanTechnica
Waabi, a Toronto-based startup previously focused on self-driving trucks, has entered the robotaxi market with a significant $1 billion funding round, including a $250 million investment from Uber. This funding round values Waabi at $3 billion and supports its expansion into autonomous passenger vehicles. Uber and Waabi have partnered to deploy at least 25,000 robotaxis equipped with Waabi’s sensor technology on Uber’s ride-hailing platform, marking a major milestone for both companies and the broader autonomous vehicle industry. Uber continues its multi-partner strategy in the robotaxi space, working with various companies to advance autonomous vehicle deployment. Waabi is also seeking collaborations with automakers to develop consumer self-driving vehicles, reflecting a broader industry trend where car manufacturers increasingly prefer partnerships with specialized autonomous vehicle providers rather than developing the technology in-house. This development highlights the evolving landscape of autonomous mobility and suggests a dynamic year ahead for the sector.
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxisself-driving-technologyAIUbertransportation-technologyWaabi raises $1B and expands into robotaxis with Uber
Autonomous vehicle startup Waabi has secured $1 billion in funding and entered a partnership with Uber to deploy self-driving cars on Uber’s ride-hailing platform, marking Waabi’s first move beyond autonomous trucking. The funding includes a $750 million Series C round led by Khosla Ventures and G2 Venture Partners, plus about $250 million in milestone-based capital from Uber to support deploying over 25,000 Waabi Driver-powered robotaxis exclusively on Uber’s platform. While no timeline was provided for this large-scale deployment, the partnership reflects confidence in Waabi’s AI technology to scale across multiple autonomous driving sectors using a single technology stack, contrasting with competitors like Waymo that have struggled to maintain programs in both trucking and robotaxis. Waabi’s founder and CEO Raquel Urtasun emphasized the company’s capital-efficient, generalizable AI architecture, which enables one solution to handle multiple vehicle types and use cases simultaneously. Waabi’s Waabi Driver is trained and validated using a closed-loop simulator
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxisAI-technologyself-driving-carsWaabiUberMore Robotaxi + Ride-Hailing Partnerships - CleanTechnica
Recent developments highlight expanding partnerships between robotaxi companies and ride-hailing platforms across major global cities. Baidu is collaborating with Uber and Lyft to introduce its Apollo Go autonomous vehicle system in London, with testing slated for the first half of 2026 pending regulatory approval. Baidu, noted as the world’s largest autonomous vehicle operator, plans to deploy a hybrid network of fully electric, purpose-built RT6 robotaxis alongside human drivers to serve London’s travel needs. This initiative aligns with Transport for London’s regulatory framework and aims to scale from dozens to hundreds of vehicles, enhancing the city’s mobility options. In Abu Dhabi, WeRide and Uber have launched a fully driverless robotaxi service, marking the first city-level fully driverless permit outside the U.S. and the Middle East’s inaugural deployment of such technology. The service operates commercially on Yas Island, accessible via Uber Comfort, UberX, and a new “Autonomous” ride category. WeRide secured federal permits in October 2025,
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiride-hailingBaidu-ApolloWeRideUberUber and Lyft to test Baidu robotaxis in London next year, joining Waymo
Uber and Lyft have announced plans to begin testing Baidu’s Apollo Go robotaxis in London in 2026, joining existing autonomous vehicle operators Waymo and local startup Wayve. Lyft CEO David Risher confirmed the move on social media, while Uber detailed its intention to start testing in the first half of 2026 as part of its partnership with Baidu, initially announced in July. This expansion marks a significant step in the companies’ efforts to establish autonomous ride-hailing services in major cities globally. These developments reflect a broader trend of collaboration between ride-hailing giants and autonomous vehicle technology providers. Both Uber and Lyft have formed multiple partnerships with companies like Baidu and Waymo to accelerate the deployment of robotaxis worldwide. The London rollout will be among the first major European tests for Baidu’s autonomous vehicles, highlighting the growing international competition and innovation in the robotaxi market.
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxisBaidu-Apollo-GoUberLyftWaymoUber Abandons EVs & Climate, After Cozying Up With Trump - CleanTechnica
The article criticizes Uber for abandoning its earlier commitments to electric vehicle (EV) adoption and climate-friendly policies. Initially, Uber had set ambitious goals to transition to 100% electric fleets in key markets like London by 2024 and North America and Europe by 2030, alongside providing drivers with EV incentives. However, the company has since dropped these targets, canceled monthly EV bonuses for drivers, and is now opposing local regulations that mandate ride-hailing companies to electrify their fleets, such as California’s law requiring 90% electrification by 2030. This reversal has contributed to a doubling of Uber’s carbon emissions over the past three years, resulting in a climate footprint larger than that of Denmark. The article also highlights Uber’s political alignment with the Trump administration, notably CEO Dara Khosrowshahi’s support for the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which the League of Conservation Voters deems “the most anti-environmental bill of all time.” This legislation undermines EV-support
energyelectric-vehiclesUberclimate-policyemissionsclean-technologytransportation-electrificationUber and Avride launch robotaxi service in Dallas
Uber and Avride have launched a commercial robotaxi service in Dallas, marking the first deployment of Avride-branded autonomous vehicles through the Uber app. The service currently operates within a limited 9-square-mile area including downtown Dallas and features a human safety operator behind the wheel, with plans to transition to fully driverless operations and expand the service area in the future. The robotaxi fleet consists of all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 vehicles equipped with Avride’s self-driving technology, and riders requesting UberX, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric may be matched with a robotaxi at no additional cost. Users can accept or decline the robotaxi option and interact with the vehicle via the Uber app. This launch is part of Uber’s broader strategy to integrate autonomous vehicles into its ride-hailing network, following a year of multiple partnerships and investments in AV technology companies such as Waymo, WeRide, and Nuro. Uber currently offers autonomous rides in several cities and aims to have AVs available
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiself-driving-technologyelectric-vehiclesUberAvrideUber and WeRide’s robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi is officially driverless
A year after launching a robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi, Chinese autonomous vehicle company WeRide and Uber have officially transitioned to fully driverless operations, eliminating the need for a human safety operator. The commercial service is now open to the public, initially operating on Yas Island, a key tourist area that includes the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Formula 1 circuit. Riders using Uber Comfort or UberX in Abu Dhabi may be matched with a WeRide robotaxi, and there is an “Autonomous” option in the Uber app to increase the likelihood of receiving a fully autonomous vehicle. This launch follows WeRide’s recent acquisition of a federal permit from the UAE for fully driverless commercial robotaxi operations and involves collaboration with fleet operator Tawasul. Plans are underway to expand the driverless service to additional parts of Abu Dhabi’s city center. This deployment marks a significant milestone as the first fully autonomous vehicle (AV) service outside the U.S. and China, according to Uber’s head of autonomous mobility, Sar
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiself-driving-technologyUberWeRidetransportation-technologyUber, NVIDIA, & Stellantis Team Up On Robotaxis & AI - CleanTechnica
Uber has announced a strategic partnership with NVIDIA and Stellantis to accelerate the development of robotaxis and autonomous delivery fleets. Leveraging NVIDIA’s AI architecture, including the DRIVE AGX Hyperion platform and DriveOS operating system designed for Level 4 autonomy, Uber aims to expand its global autonomous vehicle fleet to 5,000 fully self-driving vehicles, though no specific timeline has been provided. This collaboration will utilize over 3 million hours of robotaxi-specific driving data for training and validation, with NVIDIA supplying GPUs and tools for data management, simulation, and continuous improvement of the autonomy software stack. The partnership is part of a broader ecosystem involving multiple companies such as Aurora, Motional, Waymo, and others, reflecting the increasingly competitive and crowded landscape of self-driving technology development. Both Uber and NVIDIA emphasize the transformative potential of autonomous mobility for urban environments and highlight their combined capabilities in AI and data processing as critical to advancing profitable deployment of autonomous vehicles. The article also raises questions about market dynamics, pondering whether
robotautonomous-vehiclesAINVIDIA-DRIVEself-driving-technologyrobotaxisUberUber to launch a premium robotaxi service in Waymo’s turf of San Francisco
Uber plans to launch a premium robotaxi service in San Francisco in 2026, deploying Lucid Motors’ all-electric Gravity SUVs equipped with autonomous driving technology developed by Nuro. This move places Uber in direct competition with Waymo, Alphabet’s self-driving division, which currently dominates the Bay Area robotaxi market. Uber’s chief product officer, Sachin Kansal, emphasized the significance of launching in the Bay Area, highlighting the region’s role as a hub for transformative technology and Uber’s commitment to safe, scalable autonomous rides. The partnership involves Uber purchasing at least 20,000 Lucid Gravity SUVs over six years, which will be integrated with Nuro’s self-driving system and operated either by Uber or third-party fleet partners. Testing is already underway with a fleet expected to reach about 100 vehicles, combining public road trials, simulation, and closed-course testing. This initiative follows Uber’s broader strategy of collaborating with multiple autonomous vehicle technology companies globally, including Waymo, Nuro, and Luc
robotautonomous-vehicleselectric-vehiclesrobotaxiself-driving-technologyUberNuroUber Ready To Offer Air Taxis
The article announces a partnership between Joby Aviation and Uber to offer air taxi services through the Uber app, signaling a move towards integrating urban air mobility into mainstream transportation options. This collaboration aims to allow users to book air taxis conveniently alongside traditional Uber rides, potentially transforming urban travel by reducing congestion and travel times. However, the article does not provide specific details on the locations where these air taxis will initially be available or the timeline for when customers can start booking these services. Further information on operational cities, pricing, and regulatory approvals remains unclear, indicating that while the partnership is a significant step forward, the rollout of air taxi services is still in its early stages.
roboturban-air-mobilityair-taxisJoby-AviationUberautonomous-vehiclestransportation-technologyUber, Lucid, & Nuro Join Forces To Create Robotaxis - CleanTechnica
Uber has announced a new partnership with electric vehicle maker Lucid and autonomous driving technology company Nuro to develop and deploy robotaxis in major U.S. cities starting in 2026. The collaboration aims to introduce up to 20,000 Lucid Gravity electric vehicles equipped with Nuro’s Level 4 self-driving system into Uber’s ride-hailing fleet over the next six years. These vehicles will be owned and operated by Uber or third-party fleet partners and exclusively accessible through the Uber platform. This initiative marks Uber’s renewed commitment to robotaxis after a fatal accident involving one of its prototypes in 2018, with the company planning to invest hundreds of millions of dollars into the partnership. The Lucid Gravity is particularly suited for robotaxi service due to its 450-mile range, which reduces downtime for charging and increases operational efficiency. Nuro’s AI-first autonomous system, proven through years of driverless deployments, will be integrated with Lucid’s advanced vehicle architecture, which features fully redundant zonal
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiselectric-carsself-driving-technologyUberLucid-Motors20,000 Lucid Robotaxis for Uber? - CleanTechnica
Uber has announced a partnership with Lucid Motors and Nuro to deploy over 20,000 robotaxis across multiple markets within the next six years. These autonomous vehicles will be Lucid cars equipped with Nuro’s Level 4 autonomous driving software, the Nuro Driver™ system. Uber or its third-party partners will own the vehicles, and the collaboration aims to leverage Uber’s extensive user base of approximately 150 million app users to accelerate adoption of robotaxi services. A prototype combining Lucid’s vehicle platform and Nuro’s autonomous technology is already operational on a closed circuit at Nuro’s Las Vegas testing facility. The partnership involves significant financial commitments from Uber, including multi-hundred-million dollar investments in both Lucid and Nuro, signaling a strategic move to deepen its presence in the autonomous vehicle market. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi emphasized the transformative potential of autonomous vehicles for urban mobility, while Lucid’s interim CEO Marc Winterhoff highlighted the company’s advanced vehicle architecture and suitability for
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiself-driving-technologyUberLucid-MotorsNuroBaidu & Uber Partner to Launch Thousands of Robotaxis - CleanTechnica
Uber is strengthening its position in the autonomous vehicle market by partnering with Baidu, a leading Chinese self-driving technology and search-engine company, to launch thousands of Baidu’s Apollo Go robotaxis through the Uber platform. This multi-year collaboration will initially roll out in select Asian and Middle Eastern markets before the end of the year, marking a significant global expansion for Baidu’s autonomous driving technology. Apollo Go’s sixth-generation robotaxis have already provided over 11 million rides across 15 cities, with more than 1,000 vehicles currently in operation. Baidu’s CEO Robin Li emphasized the partnership as a major milestone in scaling autonomous driving technology worldwide. The company is also expanding its presence into Europe, with plans to launch services in Switzerland and establish an office there. This move aligns with Uber’s broader strategy of exclusive partnerships with leading robotaxi providers—such as Waymo in Austin and WeRide in other cities—to maintain its competitive edge as the ride-hailing industry transitions toward fully autonomous transportation.
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiBaiduUberself-driving-technologytransportation-innovationWaymo Launches in Atlanta with Uber - CleanTechnica
Waymo has officially launched its autonomous vehicle (AV) service in Atlanta through an exclusive partnership with Uber, continuing its expansion strategy seen in cities like Austin, Texas. Instead of a distinct Waymo or robotaxi option, riders requesting UberX, Comfort, or Comfort Electric rides may be matched with a Waymo Jaguar I-PACE vehicle. Users can increase their chances of receiving a Waymo ride by opting in via the Uber app settings. The entire ride experience, including unlocking doors and starting trips, is integrated into the familiar Uber app, with 24/7 customer support available through both Uber and Waymo’s in-car interfaces. Safety remains a top priority for Waymo, which requires all AVs on the Uber network to meet stringent standards. With millions of fully autonomous miles driven on public roads, Waymo’s data indicates a reduction in traffic injuries in its operating areas. Currently, the service covers 65 square miles in Atlanta, with plans to expand over time. Waymo’s collaboration with
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoUberrobotaxielectric-vehiclestransportation-technologyUber and Waymo’s commercial robotaxi service is open for business in Atlanta
Waymo and Uber have launched a commercial robotaxi service in Atlanta, allowing users to hail Waymo’s autonomous vehicles through the Uber app. The service initially covers about 65 square miles and features a hybrid model where robotaxis and human-driven cars operate together. Uber users can set preferences to increase their chances of being matched with a Waymo vehicle and have the option to accept or switch to a human-driven ride once matched. The robotaxi rides are priced equivalently to UberX and Uber Comfort options. The partnership leverages Uber’s expertise in vehicle maintenance, charging, cleaning, and app-based access management, while Waymo oversees the autonomous technology, operations, roadside assistance, and some rider support. Waymo’s fleet in Atlanta currently numbers in the dozens, with plans to expand to hundreds shared between Atlanta and Austin. This launch follows the earlier rollout of the “Waymo on Uber” service in Austin and aims to boost the companies’ autonomous ride volumes, complementing Waymo’s existing robotaxi
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiWaymoUbertransportation-technologymobility-servicesWeRide Partners with Uber to Provide Robotaxis in Dubai - CleanTechnica
WeRide, a company developing autonomous vehicle technology, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Uber to advance robotaxi services in Dubai. This partnership aims to support Dubai’s ambitious goal of making 25% of all transportation trips autonomous by 2030, aligning with the city’s Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy. The initial phase will involve pilot operations with safety drivers onboard, with plans to launch autonomous vehicle services in Dubai by 2025, starting with WeRide as Uber’s first technology partner in the region. The collaboration highlights Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global leader in smart, sustainable mobility by embracing cutting-edge technologies. WeRide, which already holds autonomous driving permits in China, the USA, the UAE, Singapore, and France, is accelerating its international expansion with the Middle East as a strategic priority. While WeRide’s autonomous vehicle operations remain relatively small compared to competitors like Waymo in the US and several Chinese companies
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxissmart-transportationDubaiUbermobility-innovationWayve and Uber plan London robotaxi launch after UK speeds up autonomous vehicle rollout
Wayve, a U.K.-based autonomous vehicle technology company, and Uber plan to launch a fully driverless robotaxi service in London within the next few years. This initiative follows the U.K. government's recent decision to accelerate the timeline for self-driving commercial pilot programs from late 2027 to spring 2026, aiming to boost investment in autonomous vehicle technology. While specific details about the launch, such as trial dates, fleet size, or vehicle manufacturer partners, have not been disclosed, Wayve confirmed that the service will begin in London and eventually expand to greater London and beyond. The deployment involves a collaborative ecosystem where Wayve provides the AI driving intelligence integrated into base vehicles supplied by manufacturers, a fleet operator manages the vehicles, and Uber operates the passenger service. Each participant must independently demonstrate safety and responsible operation to regulators. Wayve’s CEO, Alex Kendall, emphasized that this effort represents a significant step toward scalable autonomy in the U.K., leveraging their AI Driver technology and Embodied AI that can adapt to various vehicles and environments. Uber’s extensive global mobility network is seen as a key asset for scaling the autonomous service beyond the U.K. The partnership underscores a broader ambition to bring safe, intelligent, and driverless rides to everyday consumers worldwide.
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiAI-driving-technologyWayveUberself-driving-carsTechCrunch Mobility: Uber Freight’s AI bet, Tesla’s robotaxi caveat, and Nikola’s trucks hit the auction block
robotIoTenergyautonomous-vehiclestransportationTeslaUberWaymo and Uber are giving some riders early access to Atlanta robotaxi service
robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclesWaymoUbertransportationmobilityUber to Use Volkswagen ID. Buzzes for Robotaxis
robotIoTautonomous-vehicleselectric-vehiclesUberVolkswagentransportationUber & WeRide Expanding Robotaxi Partnership to 15 More Cities
robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclesWeRideUbertransportation-technologysmart-citiesUber investing $100M into WeRide to bring robotaxis to 15 cities
robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclesWeRideUbermobilitytransportationUber invests $100M in WeRide to fuel robotaxi expansion across 15 more cities
robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclesWeRideUbertransportationinvestmentUber turns to Chinese companies to snap up robotaxi market share in Europe, Middle East
robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclesUberpartnershipsMiddle-EasttransportationUber and WeRide set their robotaxi sights on 15 more cities
robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclestransportation-technologyUberWeRidefleet-operationsMay Mobility to launch robotaxis on Uber platform this year in Texas
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxisMay-MobilityUberself-driving-technologytransportation