Uber and AI-firm Wayve launch London's first robotaxis

LONDON, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Uber ‌launched autonomous ​rides ​in London on Thursday using AI technology developed by Britain's Wayve, making the city the second in ‌Europe after Zagreb where the company offers robotaxis.

Here are more ⁠details:

• Initially a licensed operator will be on board to monitor the ‌car before fully driverless operations ‌begin at some point in the future, the companies said.

• Riders who request an UberX, Uber Comfort or Uber ​Electric could be matched with a Wayve-powered Ford Mustang Mach-E at no additional cost.

• Fewer than 20 cars will ⁠be available at launch.

• Regulatory barriers remain before full driverless services can launch in ​London, including delays at authorisation body Transport for London.

• Uber's Global Head of Autonomous Mobility Sarfraz Maredia said ​the launch would "build credibility with ‌consumers as well as with the government".

• British Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "This is a major ⁠milestone for the future of transport in London, as British innovation brings this technology onto our roads and gives passengers more choice."

• Wayve's AI Driver ⁠learns from experience like a human driver, enabling it to adapt to ​new roads, vehicles, weather conditions and cities, the companies said.

• Uber partnered with Wayve in 2024, including an investment, with the aim of ‌using future Wayve-powered vehicles in multiple markets.

• Alex Kendall, CEO and co-founder of Wayve, said: "We're proud to ‌introduce the Wayve AI Driver to the public for the first ⁠time right here in ‌London, our home city ​and one of the most complex driving environments in the world."

(Reporting by Paul Sandle; editing by David ‌Gaffen)

---

Serious News for Serious Traders! Try StreetInsider.com Premium Free!

---

You May Also Be Interested In

• North Korea ruling party revisions bolster Kim Jong Un's control, report says
• Australia, US to boost defence ties as China's Pacific influence grows
• South Korea to open Sejong presidential office by 2029, move 350 institutions from Seoul