London will become the first city in the world to use British autonomous driving firm Wayve’s technology for commercial passenger journeys, with self-driving taxis expected to begin carrying paying customers within months through a partnership with Uber.
Wayve said its robotaxi system is “ready to go”, although a human safety driver will initially remain behind the wheel while the technology continues to demonstrate its reliability. Uber users will be able to book the autonomous vehicles at the same price as conventional minicabs, with the service available across UberX, Comfort and Electric categories. The company has already invited customers to register interest in being among the first passengers.
Founded in 2017 by two University of Cambridge PhD students, Wayve uses AI models trained on video content, driving data and pattern recognition. Its vehicles are equipped with six cameras, radar and an AI-powered computer. During a 15-minute demonstration journey in north London, the vehicle navigated pedestrians, overtaking traffic and other hazards without intervention from the supervising driver, while remaining within the 20mph speed limit.
Wayve’s Kaitlyn Fischer described London as the “ultimate testing ground” for autonomous vehicles, citing its complex road network, roadworks, cyclists, pedestrians, potholes and historic street layout. Compared with San Francisco, she said London has 20 times more roadworks and 10 times more vulnerable road users, creating an ideal proving ground for the technology.
Uber’s Annie Duvnjak said the service would launch with a small fleet before expanding, adding that passengers in other markets quickly become comfortable with autonomous vehicles. While some London Uber drivers have staged small protests over concerns about jobs, Duvnjak argued that growing demand will require both human drivers and autonomous vehicles, particularly in situations where weather or route conditions may not suit autonomous operation.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the technology has the potential to transform travel by reducing road danger, supporting economic growth and creating high-skilled jobs. Calling Wayve a British success story, she described its partnership with Uber as a vote of confidence in UK innovation.
Wayve plans to expand to more than 10 cities worldwide, including Tokyo later this year, and is also working with Nissan and Stellantis to bring its technology to private vehicles.
