Uber is investing strategically in Wayve as part of the U.K.-based startup’s recent $1.05 billion Series C round. This partnership will involve collaborating with automakers to incorporate Wayve’s AI technology into consumer vehicles that will eventually operate on Uber’s ride-hailing platform.
The announcement follows Uber’s recent plans to include Cruise’s autonomous taxis in their app by 2025, highlighting a trend of partnerships in autonomous driving technology that Uber has been pursuing over the past few years.
Although specifics of the Uber-Wayve collaboration are limited, Wayve has attracted attention since its establishment in Cambridge in 2017, raising over $1.3 billion from investors like SoftBank Group, Nvidia, and Microsoft.
Wayve is unique in developing a self-learning system for autonomous driving similar to Tesla, without relying on lidar sensors. Instead, it utilizes cameras and radar for AI perception. Wayve’s technology is designed for automakers to integrate into consumer vehicles, offering advanced driver assistance levels up to Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities.
The SAE classification explains Level 3 and 4 self-driving systems as those capable of operating autonomously under specified conditions. Wayve is currently testing its L2+ technology with safety drivers and has not yet begun testing L3 and L4 features.
Wayve has not disclosed the details of their partnership with Uber but envisions their self-driving vehicles on Uber’s network. Alex Kendall, Wayve’s CEO, expressed optimism for advancing AI fleet learning through the partnership, preparing for global deployment across Uber.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi highlighted the potential of Wayve’s AI approach in advancing towards a future of shared, electric, and autonomous vehicles. The collaboration aims to accelerate the introduction of autonomous driving technologies to consumers.
In recent developments, Uber is positioning itself as a leading partner for self-driving startups seeking commercialization opportunities. Collaborations with Waymo, delivery robot companies, and autonomous freight startups demonstrate Uber’s commitment to expanding self-driving capabilities across various services.