Uber will work with Lucid to convey 20,000+ robotaxis to the streets

Uber has introduced a multi-million greenback partnership with U.S. electrical car maker Lucid and robotics firm Nuro. The three corporations plan to deploy at the least 20,000 robotaxis “in dozens of markets all over the world” over the subsequent six years, beginning in a serious U.S. metropolis in 2026.

The ride-share app introduced the information on Thursday, saying that the Lucid automobiles can be owned and operated by Uber or its third-party fleet companions. The automobiles, which can be outfitted with expertise developed by Nuro, can be out there to riders “solely” by way of the Uber platform, as per the corporate’s press launch.

As part of the deal, Uber is investing $300 million in Lucid and an undisclosed — however “vital” — quantity in Nuro, in response to the Monetary Occasions.

Uber mentioned the collaboration between the three corporations will “[deliver] a totally built-in robotaxi expertise developed for consolation, security, and scale.”

“Autonomous automobiles have huge potential to rework our cities for the higher,” mentioned Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber. Khosrowshahi mentioned the partnership will “safely convey the magic of autonomous driving to extra folks the world over.”

Nuro will lead the protection efforts behind constructing the car, utilizing simulations, supervised on-road testing, and closed-course testing.

The transfer crystallizes Uber’s intention to make its mark on this planet of autonomous automobiles, which may have massive implications for the 1000’s of gig staff who guide rides by means of Uber. Simply yesterday, the corporate introduced a cope with Baidu, an organization that runs one of many largest robotaxi fleets in China. The 2 are partnering as much as deploy robotaxis throughout Asia and the Center East, with a possible growth to Europe.

Tesla has additionally been testing its personal robotaxi service, most just lately in Austin, Texas.