Uber teams up with Baidu to start robotaxi trials in UK

[HONG KONG] Uber Technologies said that it’s teaming up with Baidu to trial driverless taxis in the UK, following the lead of American self-driving technology company Waymo, which started tests in London this month.

A pilot programme using Baidu’s Apollo Go RT6 robotaxis in London will start in the first half of 2026, Uber said on Monday (Dec 22). Services should be available in the city before the end of next year, Uber said.

Global robotaxi rollouts are accelerating, with Chinese companies such as Baidu and Weride, and Alphabet’s Waymo leading the charge. Uber and Weride have launched driverless operations in Abu Dhabi, with plans to expand in the Middle East. Baidu is conducting trials in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Switzerland.

Uber abandoned in-house development of autonomous driving in 2020, and is instead pursuing tie-ups with a range of robotaxi companies. Uber chief executive officer Dara Khosrowshahi said this month that the company plans to offer driverless services in more than 10 markets by the end of next year.

Other ride-hailing platforms have similar strategies. Lyft has signed a deal with Baidu to roll out robotaxis in Europe. South-east Asia’s Grab is partnering with Chinese companies Weride and Momenta.

It’s not yet clear how profitable the robotaxi model will be. Listed companies Pony AI and Weride are still losing money after selling shares to raise funds. BLOOMBERG