Uber and Pony.ai Set to Test Robotaxis on London Streets
Uber and China’s Pony.ai announced a joint pilot of autonomous vehicles in the UK capital. The trial will deploy Pony.ai’s seventh‑generation robotaxis within weeks, marking a cross‑border push into European markets.
The concrete rupture materialized as both firms filed a notice with the UK transport regulator, outlining a schedule for limited‑area road testing. Sensors and AI stacks from Pony.ai will be mounted on Uber‑branded vehicles for the initial run. Underlying tension revolves around regulatory scrutiny of foreign‑owned autonomous tech and the competitive race among global players for city licences. London’s authorities balance safety concerns with the desire to be a showcase for mobility innovation. Downstream, commuters may experience reduced wait times on selected routes, while incumbent taxi operators brace for a shift in market share. Industry observers expect the pilot to influence policy drafts for broader autonomous deployment across Europe.
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