Chinese robotaxi company Pony.ai is teaming up with US ride-sharing services provider Uber Technologies to launch driverless taxis in the Middle East later this year, as the auto industry’s push for autonomous driving gains momentum.
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The two companies will first deploy Pony.ai’s robotaxis on Uber’s platform in a key market in the region, according to a joint statement on Tuesday, which did not specify any specific country. There are plans for expansion in more international markets, it added without elaborating.
Uber users would have the option to choose a Pony.ai autonomous vehicle for their ride, the statement said. The vehicles would have a safety operator on board during the initial pilot phase until their fully autonomous commercial service begins operations, it added.
“By combining our proven autonomous systems, with Uber’s unparalleled ride-hailing platform, we are poised to set a new standard for the commercialisation of driverless services, starting in the Middle East before expanding to new markets,” said James Peng, co-founder and CEO of Pony.ai.
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What’s it like to ride in China’s AI-driven robotaxi?
What’s it like to ride in China’s AI-driven robotaxi?
This collaboration is crucial for Pony.ai’s global expansion strategy and would enable Uber to more quickly and safely integrate autonomous vehicles as it seeks growth in new markets. Uber works with Alphabet’s self-driving company Waymo to offer the services in the US.
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