TOKYO, Mar 12 (AFP): Uber announced Thursday its first robotaxi partnership in Japan, teaming up with Nissan and British artificial intelligence autonomous driving startup Wayve for a trial this year in Tokyo.
Companies worldwide, from Alphabet subsidiary Waymo to Tesla and China's Apollo Go, are racing to roll out self-driving taxi services, although the actual level of autonomy on offer varies.
Wayve-which announced an $8.6 billion valuation last month-is a pioneer in the development of vehicle AI that learns from the environment instead of relying on pre-mapped routes.
Nissan is integrating Wayve's AI-powered systems into its cars, and Uber and Wayve are already planning commercial robotaxi trials in London this year.
The three companies said Thursday they plan a pilot deployment of robotaxis in Tokyo "by late 2026" subject to approval from authorities. A trained safety operator will be in the Nissan car as part of the trial. "This will be an experience where AI will drive the vehicle, you can hail it through the Uber app, and it will be supervised by a safety operator," Wayve co-founder Alex Kendall told a news conference.
Uber plans Tokyo robotaxi trial with Nissan, Britain's Wayve
FE Team | Published: March 12, 2026 23:21:37
Uber plans Tokyo robotaxi trial with Nissan, Britain's Wayve
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