Uber Shares Statistics on Forgotten Items in Robotaxis: From Prosthetics to Squishmallows

Uber has released data on forgotten items in its robotaxis, highlighting that even in the age of autonomous vehicles, the issue of lost personal belongings remains relevant. Over the past year, thousands of items have been left in the company’s self-driving taxis—from common smartphones, wallets, and passports to more unusual finds, such as dentures, a bag with a provocative slogan, and a Squishmallow plush toy.

The process for retrieving forgotten items in robotaxis is no different from traditional rides: passengers can contact support via the app, select the trip during which the item was lost, and arrange for its return. Two options are available: courier delivery for $15 or self-pickup at the autonomous vehicle service center. Uber emphasizes that its infrastructure is already adapted for autonomous transport, including support and logistics.

The company is actively expanding its self-driving services, launching partnerships with companies like Waymo in Austin and Atlanta, as well as integrating solutions from Motional and Avride in other cities. In February, Uber introduced a new division, Uber Autonomous Solutions, offering businesses comprehensive services to launch their own fleets of robotaxis, autonomous cargo vehicles, and delivery robots. By the end of the year, Uber plans to expand its autonomous ride services to 15 cities worldwide and aims to become the largest operator of such services by 2029.