Archive — US — techcrunch
Uber and Lyft to test Baidu robotaxis in London next year, joining Waymo
Uber and Lyft are set to test Baidu's Apollo Go robotaxis in London starting in 2026, joining Waymo and Wayve. Lyft CEO indicated plans to scale operations significantly after obtaining regulatory approval, while Uber aims to begin testing in the first half of 2026. This venture is part of a broader trend of robotaxi partnerships aimed at expanding autonomous vehicle presence in urban areas.
Key points
- Uber and Lyft will test Baidu's Apollo Go robotaxis in London from 2026.
- These tests will follow local regulatory approvals for Lyft.
- Lyft plans to scale to hundreds of Baidu’s RT6 SUVs.
- Uber expects to start testing in the first half of 2026 as part of its July deal with Baidu.
- This initiative aligns with Uber and Lyft's strategy of collaborating with leading autonomous vehicle firms to expand services.
Why it matters
- The move aligns with 2025 IT trends emphasizing the rise of autonomous vehicles in urban transport.
- Historically, the adoption of robotaxis reflects the increasing integration of AI and machine learning in transportation.
- The regulatory landscape for autonomous vehicles is evolving, influencing the pace of adoption in various cities.
The initiation of robotaxi tests by Uber and Lyft in London marks a significant step in the evolution of urban transportation, highlighting the accelerating trend towards automated ride-hailing services.