UAE’s Uber Robotaxis Go Fully Driverless
▼ Summary
– Uber and WeRide are deploying fully driverless robotaxis in Abu Dhabi, UAE, where customers may be matched with these vehicles when requesting UberX or Uber Comfort rides.
– The service initially launched with safety drivers in December 2024, with plans to remove them the following year, which has now been implemented.
– Fully autonomous vehicles are currently limited to select areas on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, with future expansion of the driverless service area planned.
– Customers can increase their chances of a driverless ride by selecting the “Autonomous” option in the Uber app.
– The robotaxis are WeRide GXR vehicles equipped with over 20 sensors and cameras, seating up to five passengers, with Uber managing fleet operations and WeRide handling vehicle testing and sensor calibration.
Travelers in Abu Dhabi now have the chance to experience the future of urban mobility firsthand, as Uber and WeRide launch a fully driverless robotaxi service in the emirate. Passengers who book an UberX or Uber Comfort ride may find themselves assigned to a completely autonomous vehicle, provided their journey falls within the designated service zones. This marks a significant step beyond the initial phase, which involved safety drivers present in the cars.
The collaboration between Uber and the Chinese autonomous driving technology firm WeRide began in December 2024 with a safety-driver-equipped service. Back then, the partners projected that drivers would be removed from the vehicles within the next year. They have now fulfilled that promise, advancing their timeline for full autonomy.
For the time being, the driverless rides are confined to specific areas on Yas Island, a major tourism and entertainment hub spanning 12 square miles. The companies have confirmed their intention to gradually broaden the driverless coverage area over time. Riders keen on trying the autonomous experience can improve their odds by selecting the “Autonomous” option directly within the Uber app when booking their trip.
The fleet consists of WeRide’s GXR model, a vehicle outfitted with more than 20 advanced sensors and cameras to navigate safely without human intervention. With a capacity for up to five passengers, the GXR is built on the Geely Farizon SuperVan platform, which also serves as the foundation for WeRide’s robotaxi operations in Beijing.
This partnership structure mirrors Uber’s arrangement with Waymo in the United States. Uber manages the day-to-day operational aspects of the fleet in cooperation with local taxi operator Tawasul Transport. Their responsibilities encompass everything from cleaning and routine maintenance to inspections, charging the vehicles, and managing depot logistics. WeRide retains control over the core autonomous technology, including ongoing vehicle testing and the precise calibration of all sensors.
(Source: The Verge)
