Uber plans to trial fully autonomous robotaxis—no human safety driver required—in London starting next spring, partnering with UK AI company Wayve. Wayve has been testing its self-driving tech on London streets with human supervision, complying with current UK laws.
This move follows recent UK government updates to its autonomous vehicle regulations. Initially targeting 2026 for driverless cars, the timeline shifted to late 2027 before being fast-tracked to allow small-scale autonomous taxi and bus services sooner.
Details on whether Uber’s trial vehicles will carry passengers are still being finalized, but Uber aims to integrate robotaxis into its UK app once legally permitted.
The UK’s Department for Transport projects the self-driving industry could generate 38,000 jobs and contribute £42bn to the economy by 2035. However, concerns linger about job losses, with GMB union’s Andy Prendergast urging consideration of the “social implications” of driverless taxis, as voiced to the BBC last month.
Uber already operates robotaxis in Austin, Texas, launched in March, where customers can opt for a driverless ride at no extra cost. The vehicles operate 20 hours a day, seven days a week. Tesla plans a competing service in Austin this June.
Globally, fully autonomous vehicles have logged millions of miles in countries like China, the UAE, and Singapore. US data suggests they’re less prone to accidents than human drivers, though incidents—ranging from crashes to passengers being trapped—have occurred. A San Francisco robotaxi service was halted after multiple issues.
I experienced Wayve’s technology firsthand in May, riding in a Ford Mach-E equipped with sensors, radar, and AI-driven controls across central London. A safety driver was present but didn’t touch the controls during the 30-minute trip. The vehicle navigated heavy traffic, cyclists, temporary lights, and a pedestrian on crutches with ease, driving more cautiously than most humans for a smooth, safe ride.