Story perspectives

Uber launches driverless robotaxi fleet in Houston 2027

6/17/2026

Summary

**Uber Launches Robotaxi**

Uber will launch driverless robotaxi rides in Houston in mid-2027 using Lucid Gravity SUVs with Nuro’s self-driving technology.
Uber signed a lease for a 50,000-sq-ft Houston depot with 40 chargers and 15 bays, committing to buy 35,000 Lucid robotaxis and pledging $500 million to Lucid and $500 million to Nuro.
Uber will own and operate the Houston fleet, sell rides only through the Uber app, and compete directly with Waymo’s driverless taxis.

Summary

**Mobileye Launches Robotaxi**

Mobileye Global will launch a robotaxi service with an initial 100-vehicle fleet in a major U.S. city in 2027.
The company plans to grow the fleet to roughly 17,000 vehicles within five years.
Mobileye shares rose about 6% after the announcement, reflecting investor optimism.
CEO Amnon Shashua says the service will leverage Mobileye’s autonomous-driving expertise and partnerships, while the firm frames competition with Mobileye Drive customers as a complementary path.

History

Historical Context

After Alphabet spun off Waymo in 2016, the company secured an Arizona Transportation Network Company permit in February 2018 and launched the driver-less Waymo One service in Phoenix that December, initially using 100 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans. Waymo’s early permit and large-scale rollout set a regulatory precedent that Uber follows with its 2027 Houston robotaxi launch, partnering with Lucid, Nuro and Mobileye.

1 of 3

**Uber Launches Robotaxi**

Uber will launch driverless robotaxi rides in Houston in mid-2027 using Lucid Gravity SUVs with Nuro’s self-driving technology.
Uber signed a lease for a 50,000-sq-ft Houston depot with 40 chargers and 15 bays, committing to buy 35,000 Lucid robotaxis and pledging $500 million to Lucid and $500 million to Nuro.
Uber will own and operate the Houston fleet, sell rides only through the Uber app, and compete directly with Waymo’s driverless taxis.

1 / 3