Wayve and Uber plan London robotaxi launch after UK speeds up autonomous vehicle rollout 

Wayve, a U.K.-based autonomous vehicle technology company, and Uber plan to launch a fully driverless robotaxi service in London within the next few years. This initiative follows the U.K. government's recent decision to accelerate the timeline for self-driving commercial pilot programs from late 2027 to spring 2026, aiming to boost investment in autonomous vehicle technology. While specific details about the launch, such as trial dates, fleet size, or vehicle manufacturer partners, have not been disclosed, Wayve confirmed that the service will begin in London and eventually expand to greater London and beyond. The deployment involves a collaborative ecosystem where Wayve provides the AI driving intelligence integrated into base vehicles supplied by manufacturers, a fleet operator manages the vehicles, and Uber operates the passenger service. Each participant must independently demonstrate safety and responsible operation to regulators. Wayve’s CEO, Alex Kendall, emphasized that this effort represents a significant step toward scalable autonomy in the U.K., leveraging their AI Driver technology and Embodied AI that can adapt to various vehicles and environments. Uber’s extensive global mobility network is seen as a key asset for scaling the autonomous service beyond the U.K. The partnership underscores a broader ambition to bring safe, intelligent, and driverless rides to everyday consumers worldwide.