Uber has collaborated with and invested in more than 30 autonomous vehicle firms over the past two years, adopting a global strategy. Techdaily tracks every move in this partnership web. Uber once developed its own AV tech through Uber Advanced Technologies Group (ATG), founded in 2014 by Travis Kalanick. The company acquired Otto in 2016 and began testing AVs in California, Pittsburgh, and Arizona. Key setbacks included a Waymo lawsuit, Kalanick’s resignation, and a fatal 2018 crash. Post-Khosrowshahi, Uber shifted focus to ride-hailing and delivery, selling AV divisions but retaining equity stakes. In 2024, Uber resumed AV deals, partnering with companies like Aurora, Avride, and Wayve. Aurora, for instance, operates self-driving trucks on Uber Freight, while Avride delivers via sidewalk robots. Baidu’s Apollo Go vehicles will deploy globally via Uber, and Lucid Motors supplies Uber with robotaxi-ready SUVs. Other partners include Nuro for robotaxis in San Francisco and Starship Technologies for food delivery. Uber’s AV strategy now emphasizes partnerships over in-house development, with deals spanning Europe, Asia, and the U.S.
