Uber and Waymo Bring Robotaxis to Austin

how it is working ?? When booking a ride through the Uber app, users may be matched with a Waymo robotaxi. However, they can still choose a human driver if they prefer. Both options will cost the same, making the choice purely about personal preference. This initiative builds on a partnership that began in Phoenix last October, where Waymo’s autonomous vehicles were first integrated into Uber’s platform. The companies plan to expand the service to Atlanta later this year.

The collaboration highlights how Waymo and Uber see their roles in the autonomous vehicle industry. Waymo handles the technology side, including vehicle testing, roadside assistance, and rider support. Uber, on the other hand, manages fleet operations like cleaning, maintenance, and charging through a company called Avomo (formerly Moove Cars). Uber acquired a 30% stake in Moove Cars in 2021, though it’s unrelated to another company, Moove, which manages Waymo’s fleet in Phoenix.

This partnership is a notable shift for Uber, which once developed its own self-driving technology through its Uber ATG division. However, after a series of setbacks—including a lawsuit with Waymo and a fatal crash involving an autonomous test vehicle—Uber sold Uber ATG to Aurora in 2020. Since then, Uber has focused on building partnerships with autonomous vehicle companies rather than developing the technology itself.

Today, Uber collaborates with 14 autonomous vehicle companies across ride-hailing, delivery, and trucking. Some of these partnerships are already operational, such as Uber’s robotaxi service with WeRide in Abu Dhabi and its deals with sidewalk delivery bot companies like Avride, Cartken, and Serve Robotics. By teaming up with Waymo and others, Uber is positioning itself as a key player in the emerging autonomous vehicle market, even if it’s no longer building the technology in-house.