Uber Partners with Pony AI to Launch Robotaxis in Middle East

Uber Technologies (UBER) has partnered with a Chinese autonomous vehicle maker, Pony AI Inc. (Pony.ai) on Tuesday, to deliver large-scale autonomous mobility. Through this partnership, Pony AI will be launching its robotaxis on the Uber platform. The first launch will be made in the later year in the Middle East.

Marking their first launch in the Middle East, both companies are planning to expand their international market in the future. Once the ride is made available in the market, an option will be presented to have the trip to be fulfilled with Pony.ai autonomous vehicle, when a ride is requested from Uber. Until the companies launch fully autonomous commercially, the vehicles will have a safety operator onboard.

The Co-founder and CEO of Pony.ai, Dr.James Peng, stated “Partnering with Uber accelerates our shared mission to make autonomous mobility a real, everyday experience for more consumers around the world. By combining our proven autonomous systems, with Uber’s unparalleled ride-hailing platform, we’re poised to set a new standard for the commercialization of driverless services, starting in the Middle East before expanding to new markets.” Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber said, “Our partnership with Pony.ai is another meaningful step towards introducing the benefits of autonomous mobility to the world, As the leading on-demand platform of its kind, spanning mobility, delivery, and freight, Uber is uniquely positioned to help accelerate the commercialization of this exciting technology.”

Pony.ai’s seventh-generation autonomous driving system facilitates the mass production of Robotaxis on a cost-effective basis. This technological attribute aligns with the strategic goals of Uber.