SoftBank-backed self-driving software group Wayve will trial fully autonomous vehicles for the first time in public roads in London, through a partnership with Uber.
Wayve’s embodies AI platform will be combined with Uber’s mobility network in a significant step towards a full-scale European launch of autonomous vehicles.
“This is a defining moment for UK autonomy. With Uber and a global OEM partner, we’re preparing to put our AI Driver technology into real service on the streets of London, delivering on our AV2.0 vision for scalable autonomy,” said Wayve co-founder and chief executive Alex Kendall.
“Our Embodied AI learns to drive anywhere, in any vehicle, and this trial brings us closer to bringing safe and intelligent driving to everyday rides across the UK and beyond.”
Uber has been exploring the implementation of self-driving technology in a handful of markets. Its partnership with Wayve marks the UK as the largest market in which Uber has planned an autonomous pilot.
“We’re excited to take the next step in our journey with Wayve, bringing autonomous mobility to one of the world’s busiest and most complex urban environments,” added Andrew Macdonald, president and chief operating officer of Uber.
“Our vision is to make autonomy a safe and reliable option for riders everywhere, and this trial in London brings that future closer to reality.”
Wayve and Uber first announced a multi-year collaboration last year that included an investment in the London tech firm from the taxi company.
The deal was made possible due to the recently announced launch of an accelerated framework for self-driving commercial pilots by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.
“Today’s agreement, between two leading names at the forefront of the sector, is a fantastic vote of confidence in this new technology,” said the minister.
“By fast tracking pilots of self-driving vehicles to spring 2026, we are excited to see safety-first tests that will drive growth, create 38,000 jobs and add £42bn to our economy.”
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