Uber and Wayve to Launch Autonomous Robotaxi Trials in London
Uber is taking a major step forward in its autonomous vehicle ambitions by teaming up with British AI startup Wayve to bring self-driving robotaxis to the bustling streets of London. This new pilot program marks Uber’s latest move in deploying cutting-edge driverless technology to its global ride-hailing platform.
Paving the Way for Driverless Rides in the UK
In partnership with Wayve—an AI company backed by tech giants like Microsoft, Nvidia, and SoftBank—Uber will begin testing fully autonomous vehicles in the UK capital. While no official timeline or vehicle manufacturer has been disclosed, the initiative signals a serious commitment to introducing robotaxi services in complex urban environments.
Wayve’s CEO, Alex Kendall, described London as the ultimate test ground due to its unpredictable traffic patterns and dense infrastructure. “If you can get autonomous vehicles to operate safely in London, you can operate them anywhere,” Kendall said during a demonstration drive.
A Shift in Strategy for Uber
After pulling back from developing its own self-driving cars, Uber has shifted toward integrating third-party autonomous technology into its app. The company has already launched partnerships with companies like Waymo in the U.S. and China’s Pony.AI and WeRide, and it’s now extending that strategy into Europe with Wayve.
Uber’s investment in Wayve was part of an extended Series C funding round that raised over $1 billion, solidifying its confidence in Wayve’s AI-first approach to autonomy.
AI That Thinks Like a Human Driver
What sets Wayve apart is its use of end-to-end AI, a system that enables vehicles to perceive and respond to the world more like a human driver, without relying on pre-mapped routes. This contrasts with the more rigid systems used by competitors like Waymo, which depend heavily on high-definition maps.
The robotaxis will use a combination of sensors, including cameras, radar, and lidar, to navigate city streets. Wayve has already tested its autonomous fleet—including Ford Mach-Es with safety drivers—in over 90 cities around the globe, from Tokyo to Vancouver and even the Swiss Alps.
What’s Next for London and Beyond
The UK government recently announced plans to fast-track the legal framework for self-driving vehicle trials, moving up the timeline from 2027 to spring 2026. This opens the door for broader commercial deployment of autonomous services.
Wayve and Uber envision a future where robotaxis become a standard offering in cities around the world. As Kendall puts it, “Our goal is to bring this technology to every city Uber serves, and scalable AI is the only way to make that vision a reality.”
