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This is Uber’s new robotaxi from Lucid and Nuro
Uber, Lucid Motors, and Nuro debuted their robotaxi at CES 2026, built on Lucid's Gravity SUV, featuring advanced autonomy tech integrated during production. With Uber's $300 million investment, 20,000 EVs are planned for a San Francisco commercial launch later this year. The vehicle includes interactive screens for riders, but software issues from Lucid's past raise questions about production reliability.
Key points
- Uber, Lucid, and Nuro unveiled a production-intent robotaxi at CES 2026.
- The vehicle is based on Lucid's Gravity SUV equipped with high-resolution cameras and lidar sensors.
- Uber has invested $300 million and committed to purchasing 20,000 EVs.
- Testing on public roads has commenced, aiming for commercial service launch in San Francisco in 2026.
- The robotaxi features a user interface similar to Waymo's, with screens for information display.
- Production efficiencies were achieved by integrating tech at Lucid's Arizona factory.
- Lucid experienced software issues in their SUV production but aims to improve with new records announced.
Why it matters
- The development reflects the growing trend of autonomous vehicle technology in urban mobility.
- Uber's shift towards autonomous services aligns with the 2025 IT trend of reliance on AI and automation in transportation.
- This collaborative model with auto manufacturers mirrors current trends of partnerships in the tech industry.
- Historical challenges from Lucid highlight the tech industry's ongoing struggles with production and software reliability.
The launch of Uber's robotaxi signifies a major step in the evolution of autonomous transportation, but Lucid's previous struggles with production reliability may impact confidence moving forward.