Robotaxis are set to debut in the UK this summer, with a company developing the technology announcing that paying passengers will be able to use them. Kaity Fischer, in charge of Wayve’s self-driving cabs business, stated that the company is fully prepared for the launch in partnership with Uber in London. Initially, a human driver will be present to take control if needed to ensure the safety of the technology. Uber users will have the option to experience self-driving vehicles at the same fare as regular minicabs, with the opportunity to express interest in being among the first to try this new service.
The self-driving vehicles by Wayve will be accessible on Uber’s X, Comfort, and Electric rides. Fischer expressed anticipation for the imminent London launch, emphasizing the readiness of the company to introduce the public to Wayve’s cutting-edge technology firsthand. Wayve’s self-driving cars are equipped with six cameras, a radar system, and an AI-powered computer in the trunk to manage their operations.
During a recent demonstration journey from the company’s headquarters in north London, a human supervisor in a Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV did not need to intervene for safety reasons. The vehicle demonstrated sound reactions to various obstacles like pedestrians and oncoming vehicles, adhering to the speed limit. Wayve, founded in 2017 by two University of Cambridge PhD students, views London as an ideal location for testing autonomous technology due to its complex road infrastructure and high volume of road users.
London will lead the way globally in commercializing this technology, with plans to expand to over 10 cities worldwide in collaboration with Uber, including Tokyo, Japan. Wayve is also collaborating with automakers like Nissan and Stellantis to implement its systems in private vehicles.
Annie Duvnjak, overseeing global mobility autonomous operations at Uber, mentioned that the launch in London will begin with a small fleet of robotaxis and gradually increase over time. She highlighted the positive reactions from passengers in other markets who found the experience of riding in autonomous vehicles to be seamless and natural.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander praised the potential of this technology to revolutionize travel, enhance road safety, and stimulate job growth in the UK. Wayve’s partnership with Uber was commended as a vote of confidence in British innovation. Additionally, US firm Waymo has selected London as its first European city for robocab testing, with plans to introduce autonomous rides pending regulatory approval.
The GMB union has voiced concerns about job security for taxi and private hire drivers amid the rise of driverless vehicles, urging the government to implement protective legislation. The union emphasized the importance of not placing the risks solely on workers while companies reap the benefits of advancing technology.
