Uber to Launch Driverless Car Trials in London Next Spring
Uber is gearing up to roll out fully driverless cars in London next spring after announcing that they have partnered with British AI firm Wayve for what will be its biggest robotaxi trial yet. This marks the first time Uber will offer autonomous rides without a safety driver in the UK, thanks to a new fast-track framework from the government. Wayve’s self-driving system—already tested with human oversight on London streets—will now move toward Level 4 autonomy, meaning the car handles all driving tasks under certain conditions.
Both Uber and Wayve are working closely with the Department for Transport and Transport for London to get regulatory approval. “This is a defining moment for UK autonomy,” said Wayve CEO Alex Kendall. His company’s AI-powered system is designed to adapt to complex road layouts, which London is known for. Uber’s Andrew MacDonald said the trial brings them closer to making autonomous rides “a safe and reliable option for riders everywhere.”
Although it’s unclear whether everyday users will be able to hail a robotaxi during the pilot, the potential impact is significant. The government believes the autonomous vehicle industry could bring £42 billion to the economy and create 38,000 jobs by 2035. Safety remains a key concern, especially following glitches in the U.S., but studies suggest driverless cars are involved in fewer crashes than human drivers.
