Uber Technologies Inc. has entered into a partnership with China-based autonomous vehicle developer Pony.ai to introduce robotaxis on its ride-hailing platform, the companies announced. The initial deployment is scheduled for later this year in a Middle Eastern market, with plans to expand to additional international locations.
During the pilot phase, Pony.ai’s vehicles will operate with a safety operator on board before transitioning to a fully autonomous model. The agreement adds to a growing list of Uber’s recent engagements in the autonomous driving space as it seeks to compete with companies such as Lyft, Tesla, and Waymo.
In recent weeks, Uber has announced partnerships with self-driving technology firms including May Mobility and Momenta, and expanded its collaboration with China’s WeRide to reach 15 new cities globally. Last year, Uber also deepened its integration with Waymo, Alphabet Inc.’s autonomous driving unit.
Pony.ai, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Guangzhou, is backed by Toyota and holds robotaxi service licenses in several major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. The company has been exploring further international expansion, including in South Korea, Luxembourg, and the Middle East. Pony.ai was listed on the Nasdaq in November 2024. Following the announcement, its shares rose nearly 13% in premarket trading, while Uber’s stock declined slightly.
