Nuro Launches Uber Robotaxis in San Francisco for 2024

URGENT UPDATE: Nuro has just announced plans to deploy a fleet of robotaxis in partnership with Uber in San Francisco starting in 2024. This groundbreaking move aims to revolutionize the ride-hailing industry and compete directly with Waymo, the self-driving car arm of Google.

Co-founder and co-CEO of Nuro, Dave Ferguson, who was instrumental in the early days of Google’s self-driving project, emphasized that this collaboration is set to unlock significant scalability. With Nuro’s “dramatically less expensive” technology and Uber’s vast platform, which boasts nearly 9 million drivers, the deployment of 20,000 robotaxis is positioned to reshape urban transportation.

Ferguson stated in an exclusive interview with Business Insider that the combination of Nuro’s affordable sensor stack and Uber’s reach creates an “incredible economy of scale.” The first vehicles will be the premium Lucid Gravity SUV, priced around $80,000, designed to cater to Uber’s upscale services like Uber Black and UberXL.

The announcement comes at a time when Uber is looking to diversify its offerings amid fierce competition. Ferguson noted that this partnership allows Uber to define the in-car and hailing experience, thus enhancing customer satisfaction while keeping costs competitive.

Nuro, founded in 2016, aims to address consumer demands for affordable and swift rides. The collaboration with Uber means that riders can expect a seamless experience, with plans for additional vehicle platforms at lower price points in the future.

While the technology behind robotaxis has made significant advancements, challenges remain. Ferguson highlighted the need for scaling manufacturing and establishing operational infrastructure, including depots for vehicle storage and maintenance. He believes that by leveraging Uber’s resources and Lucid’s manufacturing capabilities, these challenges can be overcome.

As the race for autonomous vehicle dominance heats up, Nuro’s entry into the market signals a pivotal moment for the industry. The partnership not only represents a technological achievement but also promises to reshape the way consumers think about ride-hailing services.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops and follow Nuro and Uber’s journey into the future of transportation.