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In an exciting development, Uber is set to launch a trial of robotaxis in London next spring. These autonomous cars will operate without a human safety driver at the wheel, marking a significant step forward in the use of driverless technology. The ride-hailing giant will be partnering with UK artificial intelligence firm Wayve, which has been testing the technology on the city’s streets under current legislation that requires human oversight.
The decision to bring robotaxis to London comes after the UK government made changes to its regulations surrounding driverless cars. Originally targeting a rollout by 2026, the government shifted the timeline to the latter half of 2027. However, a new accelerated framework has been introduced to kickstart small autonomous commercial services sooner, paving the way for Uber’s innovative trial in the capital.
While details about the availability of these autonomous vehicles for customers remain unclear, Uber has expressed its intentions to integrate them into its UK app once legislation permits. The Department for Transport believes that the introduction of driverless technology could generate 38,000 jobs and contribute £42 billion to the UK economy by 2035. However, concerns have been raised about the potential social impact of autonomous vehicles on unemployment, as highlighted by GMB national secretary Andy Prendergast.
Uber has already launched a robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, where driverless vehicles are operational 20 hours a day, seven days a week. This move comes as Tesla plans to introduce a rival service in the same city. While studies suggest that automated vehicles are generally safer than those driven by humans, incidents involving robotaxis have been reported in various countries. Despite these challenges, advancements in autonomous technology continue to reshape the future of transportation, promising a safer and more efficient way to navigate our cities
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