Uber, WeRide, and AVOMO Make Waves with Robotaxi Launch in Madrid

The Robotaxi service is anticipated to commence operations later this year, thanks to a cooperative effort with Madrid’s Regional Government (Comunidad de Madrid). Customers will be able to book rides via the Uber app, with plans for a gradually expanding fleet. Initially, trained vehicle operators will be on board, but the collaboration aims to transition to a fully driverless service in key urban areas as performance milestones are achieved.

This project builds on the successful deployment of fully driverless Robotaxi services in the Middle East, particularly in cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with Riyadh set to follow suit. The Madrid service is expected to replicate these achievements, leveraging WeRide’s advanced autonomous driving technology.

The partnership underscores WeRide's asset-light operating strategy, which allows for Robotaxi commercialization through established partners. AVOMO, a subsidiary of Moove Cars Group and Uber’s AV fleet operations partner in the U.S. (with ongoing operations in cities like Atlanta and Austin), will play a crucial role in the Madrid service.

"WeRide’s autonomous driving technology will empower AVOMO to manage and scale the Robotaxi fleet efficiently," stated Manuel Puga, CEO of Moove Cars Group. This collaboration aims to establish a safe, reliable, and scalable autonomous mobility solution in Madrid.

The Region of Madrid is recognized as one of Europe’s most promising markets for Robotaxi services, thanks to its robust mobility demand, a substantial urban population, and supportive regulatory policies. The project is expected to leverage the WeRide One universal technology platform and the WeRide GENESIS general-purpose simulation platform, facilitating a rapid rollout of autonomous services.

Dr. Tony Han, Founder and CEO of WeRide, emphasized the significance of this launch, stating, "Launching driverless Robotaxis in Madrid, one of Europe's fastest-growing urban environments, demonstrates our ability to operate safely in complex real-world conditions."

This initiative marks the fourth city in the partnership's ambitious plan to deploy Robotaxis across 15 cities by 2030, with a target of tens of thousands of Robotaxis on public roads. The collaboration aims to bring safe and reliable autonomous mobility to riders around the globe.

Sarfraz Maredia, Uber's Global Head of Autonomous Mobility & Delivery, expressed optimism about the venture, saying, "With a clear regulatory path and strong local partners, Madrid is a natural place to become a leading European market for AVs."

As autonomous mobility continues to evolve, the launch of Robotaxis in Madrid represents a crucial step forward for Uber, WeRide, and AVOMO. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships, these companies are well-positioned to shape the future of transportation not just in Spain, but across Europe and beyond. With the anticipated success of this pilot, the trio aims to revolutionize urban mobility and set new standards in the autonomous vehicle market.