Uber and WeRide launch robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi | TechCrunch

Experience-hail big Uber and Chinese language autonomous automobile know-how firm WeRide have launched a business robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi. The launch marks Uber’s first worldwide autonomous automobile providing. 

Uber has been snatching up partnerships with autonomous automobile firms throughout sectors, together with ride-hail, supply, and trucking. Different companions embody Wayve, Serve Robotics, Aurora Innovation, Waabi, and others. 

Nonetheless, buyers are cautious that incumbents like Uber gained’t be capable to compete with the businesses constructing the know-how, like Waymo and probably Tesla. On Thursday, Uber’s stock dropped nearly 10% after Waymo introduced plans to launch a robotaxi service in Miami – this although a real autonomous vehicle-flavored disruption to the ride-hail business will take years, and that Uber could also be one of many apps the place riders find yourself connecting to these robotaxis.

Uber’s launch with WeRide, which went public on the Nasdaq in late October, shall be small-scale, in keeping with an Uber spokesperson. Neither Uber nor WeRide shared what number of autos would hit Abu Dhabi’s streets initially. The primary rollout will happen between Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and alongside routes to and from Zayed Worldwide Airport, with plans to develop sooner or later.

A human security operator shall be current in every automobile to begin, with a completely driverless business launch deliberate for later in 2025.

Uber and WeRide will work with native Tawasul Transport to deal with fleet operations.