Uber and Lyft to Launch Robotaxi Trials in London Next Year with Baidu Partnership

Uber and Lyft have confirmed plans to launch pilot programs for robotaxis in London beginning in January 2026, following a strategic collaboration with Baidu, China's leading artificial intelligence company. The initiative will deploy Baidu’s Apollo-driving platform in a fleet of self-driving vehicles operating across designated zones in central London. Testing will initially involve 150 vehicles, with gradual expansion based on regulatory feedback and safety performance. The deployment is part of a broader effort by the UK government to position itself as a global leader in autonomous vehicle innovation. Authorities have already approved a framework allowing Level 4 autonomy—vehicles that operate without human intervention under specific conditions—on public roads in London and selected urban corridors. Regulatory approval for the full-scale trial was granted in late 2025, contingent on compliance with stringent cybersecurity and data protection standards. Baidu’s Apollo Go service has previously operated in cities like Beijing and Chengdu, where it has logged over 15 million autonomous miles since 2020. The London rollout will include real-time monitoring centers equipped with AI-driven oversight systems, ensuring rapid response to any operational anomalies. Safety metrics will be closely tracked, with an initial target of achieving zero reported incidents during the first 90 days of operation. The project is expected to create approximately 80 new engineering and operations roles in London by mid-2026, primarily in software integration and fleet management. It also signals growing international collaboration in the AV sector, with US ride-hailing giants partnering with Asian tech innovators amid increasing competition in the autonomous mobility space.