Uber has unveiled its fleet of self–driving robotaxis, which will soon take to the streets of London.
Designed in collaboration with Wayve, the robotaxi is an all–electric Ford Mustang Mach–e, equipped with surround cameras and radar.
The high–tech set–up allows Wayve’s AI to see the world with full 360–degree visibility around the car at all times.
Initially, the cars will have a licensed operator behind the wheel.
However, Uber says that fully driverless operations will begin ‘in the future’.
‘We’re thrilled to soon bring Wayve’s British–built autonomous technology to the Uber platform in London, the city where it was developed and trained,’ said Annie Duvnjak, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility Operations at Uber.
‘Together, with Wayve, we’re bringing a new way to ride in London while helping establish the UK as a global hub for autonomous innovation.’
The news comes shortly after Uber’s rival, Waymo hit the headlines as its self–driving cars went rogue on a London street.
Uber has unveiled its fleet of self–driving robotaxis, which will soon take to the streets of London
Initially, the cars will have a licensed operator behind the wheel. However, Uber says that fully driverless operations will begin ‘in the future’
Uber and Wayve began working together in August 2024, and now, almost two years later, are ready to show the UK their creation.
‘After years of developing and testing our technology on London’s complex city streets, we’re excited to take the next step as we prepare to launch autonomous rides on Uber,’ said Kaity Fischer, VP Commercial & Operations, Wayve.
‘This marks the beginning of Wayve’s global rollout and an important milestone in bringing safer, more accessible, and more convenient transportation to cities around the world, starting in London.’
Customers who request an UberX, Uber Electric, or Uber Comfort may be matched with a robotaxi at no additional cost, according to Uber.
If it’s not for you, and you’d prefer a human driver, you’ll have the option to decline.
Inside the car, you’ll find interactive screens where you can start the ride, and see its planned path.
You’ll also be able to contact support if needed – with 64 languages available.
While Uber is remaining tight–lipped about the exact launch date, it’s expected to be later this summer.
Customers who request an UberX, Uber Electric, or Uber Comfort may be matched with a robotaxi at no additional cost, according to Uber
In the meantime, you can join the Interest List to get updates from Uber and increase your chance of being matched with robotaxi at launch.
Uber customers in London should first update and then open the Uber app, before tapping on Account > Settings > Ride Preferences > Autonomous vehicles > Join interest list.
The launch will put Uber in stiff competition with Waymo, which is also on the brink of launching robotaxis in London.
Waymo is currently testing its fleet of distinctive white Jaguar vehicles, which are designed to offer a completely autonomous, self–driving taxi service.
The firm, which already operates a completely driverless service in the likes of San Francisco, Miami and Atlanta, announced in January that 24 vehicles would roam London for testing and street mapping purposes.
The fleet has become a familiar sight around parts of the city, although a safety driver still sits at the wheel of the cars should the need to intervene arise.
The firm originally planned to test the service before wider use is rolled out as early as September, and is reportedly planning to deploy its service to other British cities afterwards.
But the vehicles have come under scrutiny after one ploughed into a taped–off crime scene in Harlesden, west London, last month. Waymo later blamed driver error for the incident.
