Uber’s $500m robotaxi gamble could change how you travel forever

Uber Technologies Inc has committed close to $500 million to self-driving startup Nuro Inc, marking one of its largest bets yet on the future of autonomous mobility, according to sources familiar with the deal.

The investment underscores a renewed global push into robotaxi deployment, as firms race to move from testing to real-world commercial services.

Uber is positioning itself as a platform for autonomous transport rather than a direct manufacturer. It is working with multiple partners across the ecosystem, including carmakers and AI developers.

Lucid Gravity SUVs Power Robotaxi Strategy

A central part of the plan is a three-way partnership between Uber, Nuro, and electric vehicle maker Lucid Group, which will deploy up to 35,000 robotaxis using Lucid Gravity SUVs and future midsize vehicles.

Nuro will supply autonomous driving technology, while Uber will operate the ride-hailing platform layer.

Autonomous Vehicle Testing Nears Driverless Phase

The funding is tied to development milestones. According to sources, early targets include driverless autonomous vehicle testing later this year, followed by passenger rides in driverless cars by year-end, and broader scaling in the following year.

Some milestones have already been met, triggering partial fund releases.

Nuro’s Pivot to Self-Driving Software Licensing

Nuro Inc, once focused on small delivery robots, has shifted strategy since 2024 toward self-driving software licensing for automakers and mobility firms.

The company is currently testing vehicles with safety drivers and is preparing for expanded trials in California, where it has secured permits for advanced testing.

Backing from Nvidia and SoftBank

Nuro is also backed by major investors including Nvidia and SoftBank, reinforcing confidence in its long-term role in the autonomous driving stack.

Uber has also invested heavily in Lucid, adding further financial ties across the ecosystem as the robotaxi market intensifies globally.

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