Uber opens sign-ups for UK's first commercial ‘robotaxis’

Uber opens sign-ups for London robotaxis before the official launch. 

The frequently used ride-hailing service company said its users could sign up from Monday for a chance to ride in London's first robotaxis as soon as regulators give the go-ahead for launch, which it expects ‌in the coming months.

The cars will use AI technology from British startup Wayve to drive themselves round the capital's streets but will initially have trained operators sitting behind the wheel monitoring the system, the ride-hailing company said.

Robotaxis already operate in cities in the United States, including San Francisco, Phoenix and Los Angeles, and in China. 

But Europe has been slower to roll them out, in part due to local legislation and more complex historical street layouts.

UK's first commercial ‘robotaxis’

Uber has described their introduction as a strategic priority as it races with rivals to adopt the technology, which promises more efficient journeys and cost savings.

London will be the first city in the world to use self-driving technology for commercial journeys

"This is the first time the general public will be able to hail an autonomous vehicle in the UK," Wayve's VP of commercial and operations, Kaity Fischer, said in an interview.

Robotaxis successfully passed test drive on London streets:

The Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles, branded Uber x Wayve, have surround cameras and radar that provide data that is processed in the vehicle. The technology has been tested on London roads since 2018, Fischer said.

The vehicle coped with heavy London traffic—buses pulling in and out, cyclists swerving through cars, and pedestrians stepping onto crossings—in a test ride on Friday.

The British government said in 2025 it would fast-track pilots of taxi services without a safety driver this year before a potential wider roll-out next year.

Transport minister Heidi Alexander said on Monday that self-driving technology had the potential to transform how people travel—reducing road danger while driving growth and creating high-skilled jobs across the UK.