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Autonomous vehicle trials, led by Wayve and Uber, set to commence in London

Autonomous vehicles from Wayve and Uber set for street testing on public roads across London, United Kingdom.

Autonomous vehicle testing to commence in London, led by Wayve and Uber.
Autonomous vehicle testing to commence in London, led by Wayve and Uber.

Autonomous vehicle trials, led by Wayve and Uber, set to commence in London

Uber and Wayve have announced a collaboration aimed at integrating Wayve's autonomous technology into Uber's mobility platform. The collaboration, which began in 2024, is a key component of the plans to launch public road trials of autonomous vehicles in London.

The trials, expected to commence from spring 2026, are a precursor to the public road trials of autonomous vehicles in London. The Department for Transport and Transport for London will work with the companies to manage approvals and permitting processes.

Alex Kendall, CEO of Wayve, will lead the development and testing of Level 4 autonomy in London. Wayve's approach, known as AV2.0, uses an Embodied AI model that learns to drive through real-world experience. Unlike traditional autonomous systems, Wayve's system is designed to adapt across different vehicle types and unfamiliar environments.

The trials will involve Wayve's AI-driven technology operating within Uber's mobility platform. The collaboration is a strategic move for the integration of autonomous technology into the ride-hailing industry.

The aim of the trials is to assess autonomous vehicle performance in complex urban environments. London's varied road types, traffic conditions, and regulations present a distinct testing ground compared to locations in the United States.

The collaboration between Wayve and Uber is a significant step towards integrating autonomous vehicles into Uber's operations. The announcement follows the UK Government's confirmation of a new regulatory framework for commercial self-driving pilots. The public road trials of autonomous vehicles in London mark an exciting development in the autonomous vehicle industry.

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