Uber and Autobrains Plan Robotaxi Launch in Munich

Uber (UBER) and Israeli startup Autobrains announced on Monday plans to launch a robotaxi program in Munich, Germany, in collaboration with Nvidia (NVDA). The initiative aims to scale autonomous ride-hailing in Europe by creating an OEM-agnostic model that can operate across multiple vehicle platforms.

The Product

The program integrates Uber's mobility network with Autobrains' "agentic AI" driving system, running on Nvidia's Drive Hyperion platform. The system is designed to be OEM-agnostic, allowing deployment on various vehicle platforms and in different urban markets.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing and timeline details have not been disclosed. Munich will serve as the first deployment city, pending regulatory approval.

Competition

The robotaxi market is becoming increasingly competitive, with players like Waymo (Alphabet) and Cruise (General Motors) operating in U.S. cities. The Uber-Autobrains alliance differentiates itself with an open, multi-platform approach.

Potential Impact on Companies

If successful, the program could strengthen Uber's position in European autonomous mobility and generate new revenue streams. For Nvidia, it showcases the Drive Hyperion platform's commercial viability in autonomous driving applications.