Uber, Wayve, and Nissan aim to launch robotaxi service in Tokyo this year

After recently securing a $1.2 billion funding round, U.K.-based autonomous-vehicle software company Wayve is partnering with Uber and Nissan to launch a robotaxi service in Tokyo, with a pilot program planned for late 2026.

The companies said the partnership will involve Wayve integrating its AI-powered self-driving software into a Nissan Leaf, which will then be offered through Uber’s ride-hailing network. The agreement marks Uber’s first robotaxi partnership in Japan and is also the latest in a growing list of collaborations between the ride-hailing company and Wayve.

Wayve says its autonomous driving software is designed to operate on any vehicle, with any hardware setup, and without relying on high-definition maps. The startup is currently balancing several major efforts at once. In addition to the Tokyo project, it is also working with Uber on another robotaxi launch in London and integrating its driver-assistance technology into Nissan vehicles expected to enter production in 2027.

Uber, for its part, continues to expand its network of autonomous-vehicle partners worldwide as it works to position itself as the go-to platform for hailing self-driving taxis. The company has now signed more than 25 such partnerships. Earlier this week, Uber also announced plans to make Zoox’s purpose-built robotaxi available through its app in Las Vegas later this year.