Uber to Launch Premium Robotaxis in Houston by 2027

Uber has announced plans to launch a premium robotaxi service in Houston by mid-2027. This will be the second U.S. city where the project will be implemented in partnership with electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid and autonomous transport systems startup Nuro. A similar service is set to launch in San Francisco later this year.

Currently, Nuro is testing Lucid Gravity electric vehicles equipped with its autonomous driving system in San Francisco. Despite receiving approval from the California Department of Motor Vehicles to remove the safety driver, the vehicles still operate with a human behind the wheel. Simultaneously, a fleet of 100 vehicles is being tested in Houston with the involvement of Uber and Nuro engineers.

The Lucid Gravity, unveiled in January, is equipped with advanced sensors, including solid-state lidars and high-resolution cameras. Uber, which will own and manage the fleet, is focusing on passenger comfort and vehicle interface interaction. To prepare for the Houston launch, the company has expanded its infrastructure, opening a 50,000-square-foot depot and a charging station.

The collaboration with Nuro and Lucid marks a significant step for all parties involved. Nuro has shifted from developing its own delivery robots to licensing its technology, while Lucid has gained support amid fierce competition in the electric vehicle market. Uber has invested approximately $500 million in Nuro and committed to investing another $500 million in Lucid, as well as purchasing at least 35,000 vehicles for the project.