The ride-sharing and delivery firm Uber is close to deploying its first robotaxis in Germany. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi informed the Handelsblatt that the company is preparing to launch a pilot program for autonomous vehicles in Munich. Initially, these limited projects will involve a human safety driver onboard. However, the timeline for customers to travel completely driverless through Munich remains undetermined. Uber must first ensure, in testing with partners Momenta and Autobrain, that the vehicles can navigate the city safely. Khosrowshahi clarified that the safety driver will only be removed once the company is fully convinced of the vehicles’ capabilities.
Globally, the company is already further along. Uber vehicles are running completely autonomously in parts of the Middle East and in Dubai. Additionally, operations in Croatia are nearing this stage; the CEO expects that in coming years they will be able to allow the robot to operate alone in Zagreb.
Looking toward the future, Uber plans to build out a comprehensive infrastructure to support autonomous vehicle operations. Khosrowshahi stated, “We are investing billions of dollars in the vehicles, depots, and the infrastructure necessary for autonomous operation.” He added that these robotaxis will create many new jobs in Germany. Nevertheless, he cautioned that profitability will not be a quick goal. Uber emphasized that for the next five years, the focus will be on safety and growth rather than profit. Considering the required infrastructural costs, the company estimates that achieving actual profits will take seven to ten years.
