Uber Plans Robotaxi Launch in London Through Baidu Partnership

Uber is preparing to bring robotaxi services to London next year as part of a new partnership with Chinese technology company Baidu. Uber confirmed it will work with Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous driving unit to participate in the UK government’s upcoming self-driving taxi pilot programme.

Uber said testing of the robotaxi service is expected to begin in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approval. The pilot will form part of Britain’s accelerated plans to allow autonomous vehicles on public roads, positioning London as a key testing ground for future transport technology.

Uber is not alone in this move. Lyft has also announced a separate partnership with Baidu to test Apollo Go RT6 robotaxis in the British capital. Lyft’s leadership said the initial rollout will involve dozens of vehicles, with plans to scale up to hundreds if approvals and trials progress smoothly.

Uber’s expansion into autonomous mobility comes as global competition intensifies. Companies like Google-owned Waymo and UK-based startup Wayve are also preparing to enter the London robotaxi space. The British government’s decision to fast-track trials has attracted major global players.

Uber sees autonomous taxis as a long-term shift in urban transport, aiming to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and reshape ride-hailing in one of the world’s busiest cities.