Uber Partners with Baidu to Bring Driverless Taxis to London In a landmark move, Uber has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Chinese tech giant Baidu to trial driverless taxi services in the heart of London. Starting in the first half of 2026, the two companies will collaborate to deploy Baidu's cutting-edge Apollo Go RT6 robotaxis on the streets of the UK capital, with the aim of making these autonomous vehicles available to the public by the end of that year. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in Uber's long-term strategy to transition towards a more sustainable, technology-driven future for its ridesharing business. By tapping into Baidu's expertise in autonomous driving technology, the American mobility giant hopes to revolutionize the way Londoners experience urban transportation. The Apollo Go RT6 robotaxi, developed by Baidu's Apollo autonomous driving division, is a highly advanced self-driving vehicle equipped with an array of sophisticated sensors and AI-powered navigation systems. These next-generation robotaxis are designed to navigate the complex urban environment of London safely and efficiently, without the need for a human driver behind the wheel. "This partnership with Baidu represents a major milestone in Uber's journey towards a driverless future," said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber. "By leveraging the cutting-edge technology of the Apollo Go RT6, we are confident that we can deliver a seamless, convenient, and above all, safe transportation experience for Londoners." The decision to launch the driverless taxi trial in London is not without its strategic considerations. As one of the world's most congested and densely populated cities, the UK capital presents a unique set of challenges for autonomous vehicle technology. From navigating narrow streets to interacting with a diverse array of road users, the Apollo Go RT6 will be put to the test in a real-world environment that is vastly different from the controlled test scenarios it has encountered thus far. However, Uber and Baidu are banking on the city's reputation as a hub for technological innovation and its welcoming approach to emerging mobility solutions. In recent years, London has actively embraced the potential of autonomous vehicles, with the government and local authorities working closely with industry partners to facilitate the safe and responsible deployment of self-driving technologies. "London is the perfect testbed for our Apollo Go RT6 robotaxis," said Robin Li, co-founder and CEO of Baidu. "The city's dynamic urban landscape, combined with its forward-thinking approach to transportation, makes it an ideal location to demonstrate the capabilities of our autonomous driving technology." The trial in London will not be Uber's first foray into the world of driverless mobility. The company has previously collaborated with Volvo and Daimler to test self-driving vehicles in various cities across the United States. However, the partnership with Baidu represents a significant escalation in Uber's ambitions, as it seeks to bring its vision of a driverless future to one of the world's most iconic and challenging urban environments. The potential implications of this trial cannot be overstated. If successful, the deployment of Baidu's Apollo Go RT6 robotaxis in London could pave the way for a wider adoption of autonomous vehicles across the UK and beyond. By offering a safe, convenient, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional taxis and private vehicles, Uber and Baidu hope to redefine the way people move around cities, reducing congestion, emissions, and the reliance on human drivers. Moreover, the success of this trial could have far-reaching consequences for the broader autonomous vehicle industry. As one of the world's most prominent and influential ridesharing platforms, Uber's endorsement of Baidu's technology could help to bolster the Chinese company's global reputation and drive further investment and adoption of its self-driving solutions. Of course, the road to a driverless future is not without its challenges. Regulatory hurdles, public acceptance, and the ongoing development of the underlying technology will all play a crucial role in determining the success of this trial and the wider deployment of autonomous vehicles. Uber and Baidu will need to navigate these complexities carefully, working closely with local authorities and addressing any concerns raised by Londoners. Despite these challenges, the excitement surrounding the upcoming Uber-Baidu partnership in London is palpable. As the city prepares to welcome a new era of self-driving mobility, residents and visitors alike will eagerly anticipate the opportunity to experience the future of transportation firsthand. The trial promises to be a landmark moment in the evolution of urban mobility, and a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration to transform the way we move.