Uber Opens London Interest List for Autonomous Minicabs With Wayve, Initially With Safety Drivers

Uber has opened an interest list for customers in London to try autonomous minicabs through a partnership with British firm Wayve. Customers can opt in through the Uber app for a chance to be matched with the vehicles when the service launches. The companies expect the service to begin in the coming months, subject to regulatory approval.

Initially the vehicles will operate with a trained safety operator behind the wheel, though the long-term goal is fully driverless journeys. Wayve's technology has been tested on London's streets since 2018. The system does not rely on high-definition maps or geofenced operating zones.

The announcement was made at London Tech Week. Wayve vice president of commercial and operations Kaity Fischer described the launch as a "full circle moment" for the company. "We've been testing 24/7, 365 here in London for years," Fischer said.

Uber global head of autonomous mobility operations Annie Duvnjak said London is "really a pioneer city" for the company. " Autonomous rides will cost the same as conventional journeys. Customers will be able to reject a robotaxi if they would prefer a human driver.

Com reported the details of the partnership and launch timeline.