Uber and Waymo Launch Robotaxi Service in Austin

In a significant development for the autonomous vehicle industry, Uber and Waymo have officially launched their "Waymo on Uber" robotaxi service in Austin, Texas. This partnership, which has been deepening over the past year, now allows Uber users in Austin to request a Waymo self-driving vehicle alongside the traditional human-driven Uber option.

Starting today, when Uber users in Austin hail a ride, they may be matched with a Waymo autonomous vehicle. Customers can opt to specifically request the Waymo robotaxi through the "ride preferences" section of their Uber app. Both the Waymo and human-driven Uber options will be priced the same.

The launch comes just ahead of the SXSW conference, a major tech and entertainment event held annually in Austin. Uber and Waymo did not disclose the exact number of robotaxis that will be available, but stated the fleet across Austin and Atlanta will grow to hundreds of vehicles over the next few years.

This partnership represents a significant shift in the relationship between the two companies. Waymo and Uber were once bitter rivals, with a high-profile lawsuit over self-driving technology. However, they have since settled their differences and forged a cooperative agreement to bring autonomous ride-hailing services to market.

Under the "Waymo on Uber" structure, Waymo will be responsible for the autonomous vehicle technology, testing, and certain rider support functions. Uber will handle the fleet management operations, including cleaning, maintenance, and charging through its Moove Cars subsidiary.

The launch in Austin is part of Uber's broader strategy to partner with multiple autonomous vehicle companies to establish a presence in the emerging robotaxi market. In addition to Waymo, Uber has struck deals with 14 other AV firms covering ride-hailing, delivery, and trucking applications.

As the autonomous vehicle industry continues to evolve, the Uber-Waymo partnership in Austin provides a glimpse into how traditional ride-hailing companies and AV technology providers may collaborate to bring self-driving services to consumers. This launch represents an important milestone in the commercialization of robotaxi services.