Uber has partnered with autonomous vehicle startup Nuro to launch a premium robotaxi pilot program in San Francisco, marking the first integration of Nuro’s driverless technology with a major ride-hailing platform. The limited test, currently available only to Uber employees, uses custom-built Lucid electric vehicles equipped with Nuro’s autonomous driving system.
The pilot represents a strategic shift for Uber, which sold its self-driving division in 2020 but has since pursued partnerships with autonomous vehicle developers. Nuro, known for its low-speed delivery robots, is now expanding into passenger transport with this premium service targeting business commuters.
“This is about building the future of urban mobility,” said an Uber spokesperson who requested anonymity as they weren’t authorized to speak publicly. Analysts note the partnership could help Uber compete with Waymo’s expanding robotaxi operations while allowing Nuro to validate its technology in complex urban environments.
If successful, the program may expand to Phoenix and Austin later this year, though regulatory hurdles remain. The California DMV confirmed it approved testing permits but declined to comment on potential commercialization timelines.