UK robotaxis set to carry paying passengers this summer with Cambridge-founded tech
Wayve prepares to launch self-driving taxis in London using Uber
Self-driving taxis will begin transporting paying passengers on UK roads for the first time this summer, using technology developed by a company founded by University of Cambridge PhD students.
Wayve, the company behind the innovation, is collaborating with Uber to introduce the cutting-edge self-driving systems in London.
First journeys in the capital
Kaity Fischer, head of Wayve's robotaxi division, announced, “We’re looking forward to launching in London in the next couple of months. We’re ready to go, and can’t wait to get the public into our vehicles to experience Wayve technology first hand.”
Uber will initially integrate the self-driving feature into its X, Comfort, and Electric journeys at no extra charge compared to conventional minicabs.
Vehicles equipped with this technology feature six cameras, radar systems, and an AI-powered computer. A human driver will be present to oversee journeys as the technology proves its safety credentials.
During a recent 15-minute demonstration in north London, the human supervisor did not need to intervene.
Future expansion plans
After London, Wayve plans to expand its technology to over 10 cities worldwide, including Tokyo later this year.
The company is also collaborating with car manufacturers like Nissan and Stellantis to deploy its systems in private vehicles.
Challenges and potential
Wayve describes London's roads as a rigorous testing ground due to the city's complex 2,000-year-old street layout and high number of roadworks and pedestrians compared to San Francisco, a usual spot for robotaxi rollouts.
Annie Duvnjak, from Uber's autonomous operations division, indicated initial operations will begin with a small fleet, with plans to grow over time.
While some London Uber drivers have protested against robotaxis, Duvnjak suggested both human drivers and autonomous vehicles are needed to meet rising demand in urban areas.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander commented, “The technology has the potential to transform how people travel by reducing road danger while driving growth and creating high-skilled jobs across the UK."