Uber Offers Autonomy Package to AV Makers

Uber has officially launched Uber Autonomous Solutions, a new division dedicated to handling the comprehensive operations of autonomous vehicle businesses. This strategic move centralizes Uber's efforts in supporting robotaxi, self-driving truck, and sidewalk delivery robot ventures.

The company has cultivated partnerships with nearly two dozen autonomous vehicle technology firms, covering diverse applications from robotaxis to drones. Uber's commitment includes significant investments, such as $100 million for charging stations, and the establishment of Uber AV Labs to provide crucial data for partners.

Uber Autonomous Solutions aims to become indispensable by managing demand generation, customer support, and daily fleet operations. This allows AV technology teams to concentrate on their core expertise: developing safe autonomous driving software. The division will also handle infrastructure needs like training data, mapping, regulatory services, and financing.

The initiative is designed to help partners reduce costs and expedite their speed to market. Uber plans to support the expansion of robotaxi services to more than 15 cities by the end of 2026. This effort is crucial for commercializing autonomous technology and making it economically viable.

Uber's previous divestment of its in-house AV unit, Uber ATG, in 2020 underscores its current strategy of leveraging partnerships. Existing collaborations include shared robotaxi services with Waymo and agreements with numerous other AV developers globally.