Waymo Announces Plans for 2026 Launch of Robotaxi Service in London
Alphabet-owned Waymo has unveiled its intentions to introduce a commercial robotaxi service in London by 2026. This expansion marks the company’s second international foray, following its previous entry into the Tokyo market.
The announcement was anticipated after Waymo posted job openings in London, igniting discussions about its next steps. The company has established connections in the U.K. since 2019, when it acquired Latent Logic, a startup developed from Oxford University that specializes in advanced machine learning for self-driving simulations. As part of this acquisition, Waymo also initiated an engineering hub in Oxford.
Initial Operations and Testing Phases
Waymo’s all-electric Jaguar I-Pace vehicles will begin operating on London roads shortly, initially featuring human safety drivers to ensure passenger safety. This phased approach is consistent with its rollout strategies in cities like Phoenix and San Francisco, where driverless testing preceded public access to robotaxis. While specific timelines for fully autonomous driving and details on the testing fleet remain undisclosed, Waymo spokesperson Ethan Teicher confirmed the aim to provide self-driving services for public riders by next year.
Regulatory Considerations and Partnerships
The timeline for the robotaxi launch is contingent on the U.K. government’s approval process. Additionally, Waymo plans to collaborate with Moove, a partner already responsible for fleet management in Phoenix, to oversee operations in London. In Austin and Atlanta, Uber shares operational responsibilities, handling vehicle maintenance, charging, and rider access through its app, while Waymo focuses on the technology and autonomous functionalities.
Expanding Reach Beyond London
In the past two years, Waymo has significantly increased its testing and commercial initiatives, branching out from Phoenix to various U.S. locations including Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Plans to introduce further robotaxi services are also being considered for Miami, Nashville, and Washington, D.C.
As Waymo gears up for its London launch, the development underscores the ongoing evolution of autonomous vehicle technology and its potential impact on urban transportation.
