Uber on Monday unveiled a custom-built robotaxi it plans to add to its global ride-hailing platform, with San Francisco set to be the first launch market, placing it in direct competition with Google-owned Waymo.
The robotaxis are being developed through a partnership with autonomous driving technology firm Nuro and electric vehicle maker Lucid, using a platform powered by artificial intelligence chips from Nvidia.
Uber and Nvidia announced late last year an alliance to deploy up to 100,000 robotaxis globally starting in 2027.
“Together with Uber, we’re creating a framework for the entire industry to deploy autonomous fleets at scale, powered by Nvidia AI infrastructure,” Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang said at the time. “What was once science fiction is fast becoming an everyday reality.”
Nvidia has been working with a broad range of automakers to integrate its technology into autonomous driving systems.
The Lucid Gravity robotaxi, designed to carry up to six passengers and featuring an Uber-designed in-cabin experience, was showcased at an Nvidia exhibit at the Fontainebleau resort in Las Vegas.
According to Uber, the all-electric vehicles will feature interactive screens that allow riders to control seat heating, climate settings and music, contact support teams, or instruct the vehicle to pull over.
Road testing of the robotaxis began last month, with human drivers remaining behind the wheel as a safety precaution.
Uber plans to launch the robotaxi service later this year, pending regulatory approval from California authorities.
“Uber is proud to partner with Lucid and Nuro to bring a state-of-the-art robotaxi to market later this year,” said Sarfraz Maredia, Uber’s global head of autonomous mobility.
Uber already allows riders in several US cities to hail robotaxis operated by Waymo. In San Francisco, Waymo’s driverless cars have grown popular and have even become a tourist attraction.
Waymo’s fleet in the city is estimated at more than 800 vehicles, with service expected to expand to a total of 10 US cities in the coming months, as well as to London.
Amazon-owned Zoox has also begun offering driverless rides in parts of San Francisco under a limited “explorers” programme.
Source: AFP
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
