Uber Technologies has partnered with Pony.ai and Verne to introduce a brand-new robotaxi service to the streets of Europe, beginning in Zagreb, Croatia.
AUTONOMOUS DRIVING ENTERS THE MAINSTREAM
Uber Technologies (Uber) has announced a new partnership with Pony.ai and Verne – two growing start-ups in autonomous vehicle technology.
The collaboration will oversee the launch of the first commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb, the Croatian capital, before eventually being rolled out to the rest of Europe.
As part of the agreement, Chinese robotaxi provider Pony.ai will supply the autonomous driving technology, whilst Verne will serve as the fleet owner and be responsible for the smooth running of day-to-day operations.
Founded in Silicon Valley, the US, a decade ago, Pony.ai has become a frontrunner in autonomous mobility and is on a significant upward trajectory with a rising number of sites across the world.
Meanwhile, with a mission to improve the way people move, Verne is altering the autonomous vehicle landscape with a growing commercial robotaxi service.
Uber will introduce the service onto its globally established ride-hailing platform, operating alongside Verne’s own customer-facing app.
BUILDING A SCALABLE PATH
The three-pronged partnership strives to build a scalable path towards commercial robotaxi services in Zagreb, before expanding further with thousands of robotaxis into other European cities and markets over the coming years.
The deal will also see Uber invest in Verne and support its expansion as a strategic partner.
In preparation for the launch, all parties have started road testing in Zagreb and developing pricing systems.
Verne has also been put in charge of obtaining European regulatory approvals and coordinating the upcoming launch of Pony.ai’s fleet of robotaxis across Uber and Verne’s platforms.
This deal follows a wealth of partnerships for Uber of late, collaborating with nearly 25 autonomous vehicle technology companies – ranging from robotaxis and trucking to sidewalk delivery robots and drones – emphasising how the company hopes to capitalise on the rise of driverless taxis.
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