Uber is launching a robotaxi service in the UK with a driver on board, marking the rollout of what has been described as the country’s first such service.
The service is being introduced on Thursday and involves self-driving robotaxis operating with a driver present inside the vehicle. The arrangement means passengers are able to experience an autonomous-style ride while a human driver remains in the car.
A ride in one of the vehicles has been demonstrated ahead of the rollout, showing how Uber is presenting the service to passengers as it begins operating in the UK. The vehicle is described as self-driving, but the launch model includes a driver rather than operating without anyone behind the wheel.
The launch is significant because it brings robotaxi-style rides into Uber’s UK offering, while still retaining a human presence in the vehicle during the initial service. The supplied material does not state where in the UK the service will operate, how many vehicles are involved, or whether wider expansion is planned.
The latest known position is that Uber’s robotaxi service is rolling out on Thursday with drivers in the vehicles as passengers begin using the new option.
