London to Launch Robotaxis This Year with Wayve AI Driver

Londoners could soon hail a self-driving taxi through their Uber app, marking a major milestone in the future of transportation.

Wayve, a British artificial intelligence company, announced it raised $1.2 billion to accelerate its autonomous driving technology. The funding brings the London-based startup's total value to $8.6 billion and positions it as a global leader in the race to deliver safe, reliable self-driving vehicles.

Unlike other autonomous vehicle companies that focus on launching in one city at a time, Wayve built its AI system to work anywhere. The company's AI Driver has already operated in more than 500 cities across Europe, North America, and Japan without needing special adjustments for each location.

"We are building for a total addressable market that spans every vehicle that moves," said Alex Kendall, Wayve's co-founder and CEO. The company partners directly with automakers rather than building its own vehicles, making the technology more affordable to scale globally.

This year, Wayve will conduct robotaxi trials with Uber on London streets using fully autonomous vehicles. By 2027, consumers will be able to purchase cars equipped with Wayve's AI Driver that can steer, navigate, and respond to traffic under driver supervision.

The Ripple Effect

The partnership with Uber will expand to more than 10 markets worldwide, bringing autonomous transportation to millions of people. Major automakers including Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, and Stellantis invested in the company, signaling strong industry confidence in Wayve's approach.

The UK government is actively supporting the trials with smart regulations designed to keep the country at the forefront of transportation innovation. "This investment will cement the UK as a powerhouse for the next generation of transport," said Heidi Alexander, UK secretary of state for transport.

Tech giants Microsoft and NVIDIA also invested in the round, recognizing Wayve's AI system as foundational technology for the future. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella highlighted that Azure supports "the scale, reliability, and safety needed to bring that innovation into the real world."

The implications extend beyond convenience: autonomous vehicles promise to reduce traffic accidents, lower transportation costs, and provide mobility options for people who cannot drive. Wayve's technology learns from real-world driving data collected across 70 countries, constantly improving its ability to handle complex traffic situations safely.

The future of transportation is arriving faster than many expected, and it's being built right in the heart of London.