Uber rolls out driverless robotaxi service on London streets

BBC News reported that Zoe Kleinman boarded an Uber‑branded robotaxi for a test ride through central London on Thursday, marking the first time the company’s driverless service has been opened to the public.

The vehicle, a modified electric sedan equipped with lidar, cameras and radar, followed a pre‑approved route between two points in the city centre. Kleinman described the experience as “smooth and quiet,” noting that the car handled traffic lights and pedestrian crossings without any human intervention. Passengers were able to request a destination via an in‑car tablet, after which the autonomous system plotted the optimal path.

Uber’s robotaxi programme, initially trialled in the United States in 2020, received permission from the UK’s Department for Transport earlier this year to operate in a limited area of London. The rollout is part of a broader push to integrate autonomous vehicles into public transport networks, with the company aiming to expand the service to additional boroughs later in the year if safety and demand targets are met.

London has become a focal point for self‑driving experiments, thanks to its dense traffic and well‑mapped streets. The city’s authorities have been working with several firms to test autonomous technology under strict supervision, requiring each vehicle to carry a safety driver who can intervene if necessary. Uber’s approach differs by using a fully driverless model, relying on remote monitoring centres to oversee operations.

The launch comes amid growing public curiosity and regulatory scrutiny. While proponents argue that robotaxis could reduce congestion and emissions, critics warn about cybersecurity risks and the need for robust liability frameworks. Uber says its system has logged millions of kilometres in simulation and real‑world testing, and that the London trial will provide valuable data to refine the technology before a wider rollout.

If the pilot proves successful, Uber plans to increase fleet size and integrate the service with existing ride‑hailing platforms, potentially reshaping urban mobility in the UK and beyond.