From The Verge · Andrew J. Hawkins · · 1 min
Uber beats Waymo to launch London's first robotaxis
Uber has launched commercial autonomous rides in London powered by UK startup Wayve, getting ahead of rival Waymo.
In brief
Uber has launched commercial autonomous rides in London powered by UK startup Wayve, getting ahead of rival Waymo. Uber is testing its vision of a camera-based, hybrid driver-and-robotaxi network outside the US by partnering with local AV tech providers like Wayve. Originally reported by The Verge.
Uber beats Waymo in London
Uber launched the first commercial robotaxi service in London using tech from UK startup Wayve. The launch serves as an early test for autonomous ridehailing outside the US and China.
“In beating Waymo to the punch, it allows Uber to set the standard for the robotaxi experience for thousands of Londoners.”
How Londoners can hail one
Riders opt in through the Uber app when booking UberX, Comfort, or Electric rides. The fleet launches with Ford Mustang Mach-Es monitored by human safety drivers who will eventually be phased out.
“Safety drivers will monitor the driving from the front seat, though Uber says they won’t control the driving”
No lidar and no geofences
Wayve’s AV2.0 system relies on cameras, radar, and end-to-end machine learning rather than pre-mapped HD geofences or expensive lidar sensors.
“Wayve’s AV2.0 takes a different path – a single, learned AI driver trained to understand the world, anticipate risk, and adapt to new environments.”
Backed by automotive heavyweights
Cambridge-founded Wayve raised $1.2 billion from investors including Uber, Nvidia, Stellantis, and Mercedes-Benz. Its software stack is designed to run on any automaker's hardware.
“Wayve claims its system is hardware agnostic, thanks to a software stack that can run on whatever sensors and chips an automaker uses for its vehicles.”
The London battleground expands
Waymo plans to bring its own driverless taxis to London by the end of the year, while Lyft is partnering with China's Baidu to roll out rides in the city.
“Waymo has said it will launch its robotaxis in London before the end of the year.”
Uber bets $10 billion on AV partners
Uber favors a hybrid network blending human drivers and autonomous vehicles, partnering with multiple AV developers while committing over $10 billion to build its robotaxi business.
“The company has said it plans on spending upwards of $10 billion to build out its robotaxi business over time.”
What matters most
Uber is testing its vision of a camera-based, hybrid driver-and-robotaxi network outside the US by partnering with local AV tech providers like Wayve.
