Uber has launched autonomous rides in London in partnership with British artificial intelligence company Wayve, marking another step in the ride-hailing giant’s expansion into robotaxi services.
The launch comes after Uber exited Nigeria, where it had operated its ride-hailing business for more than 12 years.
According to Reuters, London is now the second European city where Uber offers autonomous rides, following the launch of its robotaxi service in Zagreb.
Fewer than 20 Wayve-powered Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles will be deployed initially. Passengers booking UberX, Uber Comfort or Uber Electric rides could be matched with one of the autonomous vehicles at no additional cost.
A licensed safety operator will initially remain inside each vehicle to monitor the journey and take control if necessary. Fully driverless operations could follow, subject to regulatory approval.
Uber’s Global Head of Autonomous Mobility, Sarfraz Maredia, said the London launch would help build confidence in autonomous technology among passengers and regulators.
“This will build credibility with consumers as well as with the government,” Maredia said.
British Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the deployment as a significant development for London’s transport network.
“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,” Alexander said.
Wayve’s AI technology
Wayve’s AI Driver is designed to learn from experience and adapt to different roads, vehicles, weather conditions and driving environments.
Wayve CEO and co-founder Alex Kendall said London was an ideal setting for the company’s first public deployment.
“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,” Kendall said.
However, fully driverless services will not begin immediately. Regulatory requirements, including approvals involving Transport for London, must be completed before the vehicles can operate without a human safety operator.
Uber partnered with Wayve in 2024 and invested in the British technology company as part of a broader plan to deploy Wayve-powered autonomous vehicles across multiple markets.
The London launch underscores Uber’s growing focus on autonomous mobility as the company invests in technology it sees as central to the future of ride-hailing and transportation.
