Uber beats Waymo as first to launch robotaxis in London

Live updates

1. 9d ago

   Tesla Deploys Cybercabs in Texas and Florida

   Tesla launched its new autonomous Cybercab without a steering wheel or pedals in Texas and Florida. The vehicles debuted on Austin public roads on September 3, relying on self-certification as legal without a federal exemption. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into the deployment within hours of the roll-out. Meanwhile, Uber continues operating its own autonomous ride service in London using Ford Mustang Mach-E electric vehicles with human safety drivers, alongside British AI firm Wayve.

   Why it matters

   Autonomous vehicle deployments are drawing rapid regulatory scrutiny as companies race to commercialize driverless technology. While international markets see supervised rollouts using human safety drivers, domestic launches face immediate federal pushback over self-certification practices. These developments highlight the widening gap between regulatory approvals and commercial deployment strategies across different jurisdictions.

   What is confirmed

   • Tesla launched the Cybercab without a steering wheel or pedals in Texas and Florida.
   • Tesla deployed its first driverless Cybercabs on Austin public roads on September 3.
   • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a probe into the Cybercab deployment within hours.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Tesla self-certified the Cybercabs as legal without a federal exemption.

   What to watch next

   • Results of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration probe into Tesla's Cybercab deployment
   • Federal decisions regarding self-certification rules for vehicles without steering wheels or pedals
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.theverge.com — The unusually muted Tesla Cybercab launch
   2. www.martincid.com — Tesla put Cybercabs on Austin roads, self-certified them as legal — NHTSA opened a probe within hours
   3. tucson.com — 'She had her hooks in him.' Ex-wife testifies she was 'powerless' in Sinema affair
   4. www.theverge.com — Bentley’s Torcal EV tries to balance authenticity with fake V8 sounds
   confidence 100%
2. 12d ago

   Uber and Wayve launch first robotaxi service in London

   Uber has launched the first autonomous ride service in the UK, beating competitors like Waymo and Baidu to the London market. Partnering with British AI firm Wayve, Uber is deploying Ford Mustang Mach-E EVs that users can hail via the Uber app. While the vehicles use autonomous driving technology, every ride currently requires a human safety driver behind the wheel to intervene if necessary. Uber reports that approximately 140,000 Londoners have already opted in to try the service.

   Why it matters

   This deployment marks a significant shift for European urban transport as regulators weigh the integration of self-driving vehicles. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the launch as a major milestone for the city. The move follows similar robotaxi rollouts in the US, Middle East, and other parts of Europe.

   What is confirmed

   • Uber and Wayve launched the first autonomous ride service in the UK.
   • The robotaxis are Ford Mustang Mach-E EVs available through the Uber app.
   • Every vehicle includes a human safety driver who can take control of the car.
   • Uber beat Google's Waymo to be the first to launch robotaxis in London.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Drivers supervising the autonomous cars are banned from speaking.
   • Approximately 140,000 Londoners have opted in to try the robotaxis.

   What to watch next

   • The date when Wayve vehicles will become fully autonomous without human supervisors
   • Government responses to concerns regarding job losses and safety
   • The launch of competing robotaxi fleets in London
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. theverge.com — Uber beats Waymo as first to launch robotaxis in London
   2. BBC — What it's like to ride in Uber's new self-driving taxis in London
   3. UBER Investor Relations — Uber Technologies, Inc. - Wayve and Uber Launch First-Ever Autonomous Rides in the UK
   4. Yahoo — Robotaxi service debuts on London's busy streets as Europe weighs more self-driving vehicles
   5. engadget.com — Uber Launches First Robotaxis In London (With Human Supervisors)
   6. The New York Times — Uber and Wayve to Start Testing Robotaxis in London
   7. The Guardian — London’s first self-driving taxis for hire hit the streets
   8. The Times — Drivers babysitting Uber’s autonomous cars banned from speaking
   9. tucson.com — John Mellencamp concert stopped abruptly as storm hits Phoenix
   10. uk.pcmag.com — Uber Launches UK's First Robotaxi Service in London, But There's a Catch
   11. www.aol.co.uk — London’s first robotaxis hit the streets: Everything you need to know
   12. www.martincid.com — Uber Beat Waymo to London’s Robotaxis, but a Human Still Holds the Wheel
   confidence 95%