Driverless taxis are coming to London in a move that would reshape urban mobility within the UK.
British AI firm Wayve and ride-hailing giant Uber today announced the first-ever public-road trials of fully autonomous Level 4 vehicles within the capital.
This partnership makes the UK the most important market yet where Uber has committed to launching autonomous vehicle pilots powered by Wayve’s Embodied AI, which teaches cars to drive like humans in complex real-world streets.
Driverless taxis are coming to London in a move that would reshape urban mobility within the UK.
British AI firm Wayve and ride-hailing giant Uber today announced the first-ever public-road trials of fully autonomous Level 4 vehicles within the capital.
This partnership makes the UK the most important market yet where Uber has committed to launching autonomous vehicle pilots powered by Wayve’s Embodied AI, which teaches cars to drive like humans in complex real-world streets.
The announcement comes on the identical day because the UK government revealed a fast-tracked regulatory framework for industrial self-driving pilots as a part of its ambition for the nation to guide the worldwide race for autonomous mobility.
“With Uber and a world OEM partner, we’re preparing to place our AI Driver technology into real service on the streets of London,” said Alex Kendall, CEO and co-founder of Wayve. “This can be a defining moment for UK autonomy – our system can learn to drive anywhere, in any vehicle. This trial is a big step toward making smart, secure, driverless rides a part of each day life.”
Unlike the relatively straightforward grid systems of US cities where most AV testing has occurred, London streets present a more complex challenge.
The trial will begin once Uber and Wayve secure permits and safety approvals from Transport for London and the Department for Transport. The partners said vehicles will likely be introduced step by step and monitored closely as a part of a rigorous oversight process.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of automobile manufacturer industry body SMMT, said: “Pilot rollout of economic self-driving services from next 12 months will widen public access to mobility, while the consultation will make sure the technology is deployed in a secure and responsible way. These latest measures will help Britain remain a frontrunner in the event and introduction of self-driving vehicles.”
“Autonomous vehicles won’t just change how we move – they may save hundreds of lives and transform access to education, work and healthcare,” added Andrew Miller, chief executive of Motability Operations. “This announcement is a crucial step forward.”
The UK government estimates suggest AV technology could unlock as much as £66 billion in economic advantages and create over 340,000 jobs by 2040 while when it comes to safety, it could help prevent nearly 4,000 deaths and 60,000 serious injuries over the subsequent 15 years.
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