LONDON: Uber Technologies Inc and Lyft Inc are each teaming up with Baidu Inc to trial driverless taxis in the UK, as ride-sharing companies race to deploy autonomous services around the world.
Uber said Monday a pilot programme using Baidu's Apollo Go RT6 robotaxis in London will start in the first half of 2026, with commercial services expected in the city before the end of next year.
Separately, ride-hailing platform Lyft will also carry out UK tests next year with dozens of the same vehicles, pending regulatory approval, according to an X post by Lyft CEO David Risher.
Global robotaxi rollouts are accelerating, with Chinese companies such as Baidu and Weride Inc, and Alphabet Inc's Waymo leading the charge.
Uber and Weride have launched driverless operations in Abu Dhabi, with plans to expand in the Middle East.
Baidu is conducting trials in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Switzerland.
American self-driving technology company Waymo started tests in London this month.
Uber abandoned in-house development of autonomous driving in 2020, and is instead pursuing tie-ups with a range of robotaxi companies.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said in a Bloomberg Television interview this month that the company plans to offer driverless services in more than 10 markets by the end of next year.
Other ride-hailing platforms have similar strategies.
Lyft has already signed a deal with Baidu to roll out robotaxis in Europe.
Southeast Asia's Grab is partnering with Chinese companies Weride and Momenta.
It's not yet clear how profitable the robotaxi model will be.
Listed companies Pony AI Inc and Weride are still losing money after selling shares to raise funds.
