Uber, Wayve, and Nissan Collaborate on Tokyo Robotaxi Pilot

Uber Technologies, Nissan Motor Corporation, and British autonomous vehicle startup Wayve have announced a collaboration to launch a robotaxi pilot program in Tokyo, scheduled for late 2026. This initiative marks Uber's first autonomous vehicle partnership in Japan and is part of a broader strategy to deploy robotaxi services in over ten cities worldwide, including London.

Wayve, Uber and Nissan announce collaboration on RobotaxisNissan, Uber and Wayve partner for Tokyo robotaxi pilotThe Next Web (TNW)Uber and Wayve partner with Nissan Leaf for groundbreaking robotaxi initiative in TokyoTechCrunchNissan, Uber, Wayve Join Forces to Launch Robotaxi Pilot in Tokyo by 2026Nissan, Uber and Wayve collaborate on robotaxis

The pilot will utilize Nissan Leaf electric vehicles equipped with Wayve's AI Driver technology, which is designed to operate without high-definition maps, relying instead on real-world driving data. This approach aims to facilitate quicker deployment in complex urban environments like Tokyo, known for its dense traffic and intricate road layouts. Initially, trained safety drivers will be present in the vehicles to ensure passenger safety while the system gathers operational data.

Uber and Wayve partner with Nissan Leaf for groundbreaking robotaxi initiative in Tokyo

Wayve has been testing its technology in Japan since early 2025, gaining insights into the unique driving conditions of the country. The partnership with Nissan allows Wayve to integrate its AI technology into Nissan's vehicles, enhancing the automaker's capabilities in the autonomous driving sector. This collaboration follows a significant $1.2 billion funding round for Wayve, which has attracted investments from major firms including SoftBank and Nvidia.

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Wayve CEO Alex Kendall emphasized the importance of the Tokyo pilot, stating, “Tokyo represents an important step forward in bringing embodied intelligence to one of the world’s most sophisticated mobility markets.” Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa expressed pride in the collaboration, highlighting its potential to translate advanced technology into real-world applications. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi noted that the partnership reflects the company's long-term commitment to Japan, aiming to address urban transportation challenges.

The Next Web (TNW)

While the collaboration has been largely welcomed, some critics point out the challenges of deploying autonomous vehicles in Japan's stringent regulatory environment. The need for ongoing engagement with local authorities is crucial, as any incidents during the pilot phase could lead to heightened scrutiny and regulatory hurdles.

The Next Web (TNW)

The companies are currently in discussions with local authorities regarding the pilot deployment. If successful, the Tokyo initiative could pave the way for expanding robotaxi services to other markets, potentially enhancing urban mobility solutions globally.

Wayve, Uber and Nissan announce collaboration on Robotaxis

• “Partnering with Uber and Nissan to begin pilot deployment of robotaxis allows us to introduce this technology in a responsible way.” — Alex Kendall, CEO, Wayve

Nissan, Uber, Wayve Join Forces to Launch Robotaxi Pilot in Tokyo by 2026

• “, said: “Nissan is proud to collaborate in this next chapter of mobility innovation.” — Ivan Espinosa, CEO, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Wayve, Uber and Nissan announce collaboration on Robotaxis

• “ Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO, Uber, said: “Autonomous mobility is becoming an increasingly important part of the Uber platform.” — Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO, Uber

Wayve, Uber and Nissan announce collaboration on Robotaxis

This partnership represents a significant step in the evolution of urban transportation, leveraging advanced AI technology to meet the demands of one of the world's most challenging driving environments.

Benzinga