Following a recent acquisition of $1.2 billion, U.K.-based autonomous vehicle software firm Wayve is collaborating with Uber and Nissan to introduce a robotaxi service in Tokyo, with a pilot projected for late 2026.
The partnership involves Wayve incorporating its AI-driven, self-driving software into a Nissan Leaf, which will be utilized on Uber’s ride-hailing platform. This represents Uber’s inaugural robotaxi collaboration in Japan and is the latest in a series of ongoing initiatives between the ride-hailing behemoth and Wayve.
Wayve asserts its autonomous technology is adaptable to any vehicle and hardware without relying on an HD map. The startup is managing numerous projects: it plans to debut another robotaxi service in London with Uber and is also embedding its driver-assistance technology into Nissan vehicles expected to be manufactured in 2027.
Simultaneously, Uber continues to expand its network of global partners as it aims to become the leading app for self-driving taxi rides. The company has established over 25 such partnerships so far. Earlier this week, it announced that Zoox’s custom-designed robotaxi will be available on the Uber app in Las Vegas later this year.