AI News Feed
Market watch
Rein Security raises $25M for AI agent defense as Darwinium adds intent intelligenceAmazon Replaces Fire Tablets With Alexa Line, Led by $499 12 ProDeveloper Releases Open-Source Toolchain to Run Googlebook OS on Apple Silicon MacsMidnight Mimosa Malware Found in Firmware of Some Low-Cost Android PhonesManus Parent Raises Over $500M After Meta Deal UnwoundZhengxing Innovation launches retail physical AI 24/7 service solution at APRCE 2026
Rein Security raises $25M for AI agent defense as Darwinium adds intent intelligenceAmazon Replaces Fire Tablets With Alexa Line, Led by $499 12 ProDeveloper Releases Open-Source Toolchain to Run Googlebook OS on Apple Silicon MacsMidnight Mimosa Malware Found in Firmware of Some Low-Cost Android PhonesManus Parent Raises Over $500M After Meta Deal UnwoundZhengxing Innovation launches retail physical AI 24/7 service solution at APRCE 2026
Companies

Uber and Pony.ai Plan London Robotaxi Launch, to Test Gen-7 Vehicles

Uber and Pony.ai plan a robotaxi service in London and will begin testing Pony.ai’s Gen-7 robotaxis in the coming weeks, expanding their partnership into Europe.

AI News Feed · 2026-10-08 22:53

The London plan is part of Uber’s broader effort to build a position in autonomous vehicle technology through partnerships and investments. Over the past few years, the ride-hailing company has struck deals with more than 30 autonomous vehicle companies, including Pony.ai, as it seeks a share of the autonomous delivery and ride-hailing markets. Uber expects to offer autonomous vehicle trips in as many as 15 cities globally by the end of 2026, roughly split between the United States and international markets.

Uber and Pony.ai first partnered in May 2025, initially focusing on the Middle East. Their relationship later expanded to Europe, where they plan to deploy 2,000 robotaxis, starting with Croatia’s capital, Zagreb.

In August 2026, the companies launched an autonomous ride-hailing service in Zagreb with a third partner, Verne. Under that arrangement, Pony.ai supplies the autonomous driving system and the Arcfox Alpha T5 robotaxi, which was developed with Chinese automaker BAIC. Verne, a startup set up by Rimac Group founder and CEO Mate Rimac, owns and operates the fleet, while Uber provides access to its ride-hailing network.

The London service will follow a similar model, though the companies have not said who will own and operate the fleet.

Uber has another robotaxi partner in London: British self-driving startup Wayve. Uber has partnered with and invested in Wayve and plans to launch a robotaxi service in the city. In February 2026, Wayve raised $1.2 billion in a funding round that included investments from Microsoft, Nvidia and Uber. The total funding in that round could reach $1.5 billion because of an additional $300 million from Uber, contingent on Wayve deploying robotaxis, starting in London.

Uber has pursued the multi-partner strategy elsewhere. In Dubai, it has struck separate deals with Baidu and WeRide to launch robotaxi services.

Pony.ai has launched robotaxi services in four Chinese cities and secured partnerships with local transportation authorities as it works to expand into European and Middle Eastern markets, including Qatar.