Uber's driverless taxis are set to launch in London in the coming months, and residents can now sign up to be among the first to experience them. The ride-hailing giant has partnered with AI company Wayve to bring autonomous vehicles to the capital's streets.
How to join the interest list
To get early access, open the Uber app and ensure it is updated. Navigate to Settings > Ride Preferences > Autonomous vehicles > Join interest list. Once registered, you will receive updates and opportunities for trial trips before the general public.
What to expect from the driverless cabs
Initially, the vehicles will be supervised by a licensed operator, as required by law. Full driverless operation is expected by late 2027. Passengers can choose from 64 languages, use interactive screens to control the ride, and view the planned route. The technology has been tested on London roads since 2018.
The cars are equipped with surround cameras and radars, providing Wayve's AI with 360-degree visibility. They navigate using HD maps, hand-coded rules, and geofenced domains. If riders feel uneasy, they can switch to a human-driven car through the app.
Cost and other competitors
Driverless rides will cost the same as regular Uber trips. Other companies eyeing London include Chinese AI firm Baidu, partnering with Lyft, and Waymo, which aims to operate in 20 boroughs.
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