Quick Takeaways
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Uber’s exclusive robotaxis, developed with Nuro and Nvidia, will debut in the San Francisco Bay Area in late 2026, using Lucid Gravity electric SUVs.
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The company plans to scale its autonomous fleet to 100,000 vehicles by 2027, envisioning a future of improved urban mobility.
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A mix of human drivers and autonomous vehicles will support Uber’s service, with over 100 Nuro-driven vehicles set for testing in the coming months.
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Despite potential, Uber’s CFO notes that autonomous vehicles currently are not profitable, and commercialization will require time.
Uber’s Robotaxi Launch in the Bay Area
Uber recently announced plans to introduce exclusive robotaxis in the San Francisco Bay Area by late 2026. The company will collaborate with Nuro to develop an autonomous driving system. Nuro will integrate Nvidia’s AI architecture into Lucid Gravity electric SUVs. This partnership marks a significant step in Uber’s Global Robotaxi Program. Uber stated, “On-road development with our Robotaxi Engineering Fleet is now underway.”
As the project progresses, Uber aims to scale its global autonomous fleet, targeting 100,000 vehicles by 2027. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi believes that “autonomous mobility will transform our cities for the better.” Additionally, the company’s vision includes a mix of human drivers and robotaxis, alongside autonomous delivery services. Over the next few months, more than 100 Nuro-driven SUVs will join the fleet for testing purposes.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While the excitement around autonomous vehicles (AVs) grows, experts acknowledge significant challenges. Khosrowshahi noted that robotaxis in Atlanta and Austin are outperforming 99% of human drivers. However, he also cautioned that commercialization may take time. Currently, Uber’s Chief Financial Officer stated that AVs are not yet profitable, highlighting the financial hurdles ahead.
Despite these challenges, the ongoing developments signal a move toward safer and more sustainable transportation options. As cities explore the potential of robotaxis, the future of urban mobility looks promising. Residents can anticipate improved quality of life as these technologies roll out.
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