Uber is investing strategically in Wayve as an extension of the U.K.-based startup’s $1.05 billion Series C round. The two companies will collaborate with automakers to integrate Wayve’s AI into consumer vehicles that will operate on Uber’s platform in the future.
The partnership was announced shortly after Uber revealed that Cruise’s robotaxis would join the Uber app by 2025. This is the latest in a series of partnerships Uber has made in autonomous driving technology over the past few years.
Wayve, founded in Cambridge in 2017, has attracted over $1.3 billion in funding from companies like SoftBank Group, Nvidia, and Microsoft. They are developing a self-learning system for autonomous driving, similar to Tesla’s AI, without using lidar sensors. Wayve utilizes cameras and radar to help its AI understand its surroundings. Their AI can be integrated into consumer vehicles for advanced driver assistance systems.
The SAE defines Level 3 and 4 self-driving systems as ones that can operate autonomously under certain conditions. Wayve is testing its L2+ technology on Jaguar I-Paces and Ford E-Transits but has not started testing L3 and L4 systems.
The specifics of the partnership between Uber and Wayve have not been disclosed. Wayve mentioned that they visualize their self-driving vehicles being available on Uber’s network in the future.
Wayve’s CEO, Alex Kendall, mentioned that the partnership with Uber will enhance their AI’s learning capabilities and prepare for global deployment across Uber’s network. They will work together to bring autonomous driving technologies to consumers faster.
Uber’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, sees a lot of potential in Wayve’s AI approach as they aim for a world with shared, electric, and autonomous vehicles. He is excited to work with Wayve and automakers to develop Uber as the leading network for self-driving vehicles.
Uber has been positioning itself as an ideal partner for self-driving startups. They have already integrated Waymo’s robotaxis in Phoenix and partnered with various autonomous delivery and freight startups.
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