The trial will integrate Wayve’s self-driving technologies into a fleet electric vehicles and begin on the complex streets in the UK capital.
The move is a major step towards a world where autonomous vehicles will be a common sight in cities. Uber can collect valuable data to help it expand the rollout of this new technology.
In the initial trial, Wayve’s technology will be deployed in a fleet electric vehicles with a human safety driver at all times. The goal is to pave a way for a scalable and safe autonomous transportation service.
Embodied AI
Wayve’s system is different from other systems; it’s based on what the company refers to as ’embodied AI.’ This technology adapts and learns from real-world driving situations, aiming to navigate complex urban environments more naturally.
Real-World Ride-Hailing
It’s not just a test in a closed-circuit; it’s an actual trial in one of world’s most crowded cities. The partnership will enable Wayve to test its Level 4 autonomous systems in the demanding environment that is a live ride hailing network. Safety First
Both companies stress a safety-first strategy for anyone who is concerned about getting into a car without a driver. Safety driver will be present in every autonomous vehicle to monitor the system, and take control when necessary. This will ensure the highest safety standards throughout the trial. Alex Kendall, co-founder and CEO at Wayve, stressed the importance of this collaboration.
This partnership with Uber is pivotal for Wayve. It will accelerate our goal to bring embodied AI into fleets and move from testing to commercial reality for the passenger-based economy.
Alex Kendall. Co-founder, CEO, Wayve.
We’re bringing an L4 driverless experience to London with @Uber
This collaboration marks the first-ever public road trials of this technology in the UK — enabled by @transportgovuk’s crucial announcement today of an accelerated framework for self-driving commercial pilots…. pic.twitter.com/NFDvtneUYs— Wayve (@wayve_ai) June 10, 2025
Uber also sees this as a critical step in the evolution of its network.
This collaboration is a momentous occasion for us, as we continue to support a safe and responsible introduction autonomous driving technology onto our platform.”
Toussaint W. Wattinne, General manager for Uber UK. What about Australia?
London may be the first to experience this technology, but it could eventually make its way Down Under. Australia is currently laying down the foundations for self-driving cars, with the National Transport Commission creating a national regulatory structure to ensure their deployment safely. Various trials, including automated shuttles and freight trucks, have been conducted across the country to help regulators and the general public prepare for the future of driverless vehicles.
Although you can’t use a fully automated car in Australia yet, experts predict that we could see commercial services on Australian streets as early as 2026. This Wayve and Uber test will be closely watched, as its results will influence the timeline of autonomous Ubers in cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane.
For more information, head to https://wayve.ai/press/wayve-uber-l4-autonomy-trials/
