Uber to Test Driverless Taxis in London

Uber, the global ride-hailing platform, has announced plans to trial robotaxis in London starting next spring, marking a significant advancement in the realm of autonomous transportation. These self-driving vehicles will operate without human safety drivers, pushing the boundaries of current autonomous vehicle technology.

The company is collaborating with Wayve, a UK-based artificial intelligence firm that has been conducting tests of its autonomous driving technology on London's streets. These tests have been carried out under human supervision, in compliance with existing regulatory frameworks.

This announcement comes in the wake of recent modifications to the UK government's stance on driverless cars. Initially targeting a 2026 introduction, which was subsequently postponed to late 2027, the government has now opted for an accelerated approach. They are introducing a framework to expedite the deployment of small autonomous 'bus and taxi-like' commercial services.

While the specifics of customer involvement in Uber's trial remain unclear, the company has previously expressed its intention to integrate autonomous vehicles as a standard option in its UK app once legislation permits. This move aligns with Uber's global strategy, as evidenced by the launch of a robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, earlier this year.