Uber to launch robotaxi service in Tokyo by late 2026
Uber is teaming up with Wayve and Nissan to bring robotaxis to Tokyo by late 2026.
These self-driving cabs will be Nissan Leaf EVs powered by Wayve's AI Driver tech, all bookable through the Uber app.
It's Uber's first autonomous vehicle project in Japan and part of a bigger plan to roll out robotaxi services in more than 10 cities worldwide (initial phases may include trained safety operators).
Nissan Leaf EVs will be used for the service
The robotaxi fleet will use Nissan Leaf EVs fitted with AI that does not rely on HD maps and is trained on real-world driving data.
Mass-market integration of Wayve technology into Nissan consumer vehicles is targeted for fiscal 2027.
Trained safety operator will ride along at 1st
At first, every ride will have a trained safety operator riding along; Uber intends to launch the service through a licensed taxi partner to keep things safe while the tech gets fine-tuned.
This provides human oversight during early operations while the technology and deployment are further developed.
Wayve's AI can handle new places without pre-mapped routes
Unlike some systems that rely on HD maps, Wayve's AI can handle new places without pre-mapped routes.
Plus, Uber is bringing together several partners (like Zoox) so users can access different autonomous rides right from its app.