Home / Technology / Waabi Drives Into Robotaxis with $1B, Uber Partnership
Waabi Drives Into Robotaxis with $1B, Uber Partnership
28 Jan
Summary
- Waabi raises $1 billion for expansion into robotaxis.
- Waabi partners with Uber to deploy 25,000 robotaxis.
- The startup aims to leverage its AI technology for both trucks and taxis.
Waabi, a Toronto-based autonomous vehicle startup, has announced a significant pivot towards robotaxis, backed by a substantial $1 billion funding round. This includes $750 million in Series C funding led by Khosla Ventures and G2 Venture Partners, with additional capital from Uber specifically for robotaxi development.
The company plans to deploy at least 25,000 robotaxis powered by its technology onto Uber's platform. Waabi's founder, Raquel Urtasun, emphasized that the technology developed for autonomous trucking is adaptable to robotaxi services, citing similarities in navigation and operational behaviors.
This move comes as the autonomous trucking sector has faced considerable challenges, with several companies ceasing operations. Waabi, however, maintains its trucking product is capable but opted for a validated, purpose-built platform before full commercial deployment. The partnership with Uber, a former investor in its own autonomous vehicle program, positions Waabi to leverage Waabi's AI expertise in the competitive robotaxi landscape.
