Uber has officially unveiled its next-generation robotaxi, developed in collaboration with electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid Motors and autonomous driving technology company Nuro. Revealed at CES 2026, the new vehicle represents a major milestone in Uber’s long-term strategy to scale autonomous ride-hailing services globally.
The robotaxi is built on the Lucid Gravity, an all-electric luxury SUV designed for high performance, long range, and advanced vehicle architecture. By combining Lucid’s EV engineering expertise with Nuro’s self-driving software and Uber’s ride-hailing platform, the partnership aims to deliver a safe, premium, and fully autonomous transportation experience.
Advanced Autonomous Driving Technology
At the core of the robotaxi is Nuro’s Level 4 autonomous driving system, capable of operating without a human driver in defined urban environments. The vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated sensor suite that includes high-resolution cameras, radar, and solid-state LiDAR. These components work together to provide continuous 360-degree awareness of the vehicle’s surroundings.
A distinctive roof-mounted sensor module often referred to as a “halo” house much of this hardware. Beyond its technical function, the design also helps passengers easily identify the robotaxi when it arrives for pickup.
The autonomous system is powered by NVIDIA’s Drive AGX Thor computing platform, which delivers the processing power required to handle real-time perception, decision-making, and motion planning. This enables the robotaxi to safely navigate complex city streets, respond to unexpected obstacles, and adapt to changing traffic conditions.
Designed for a Premium Passenger Experience
Uber has placed a strong emphasis on passenger comfort and usability. The interior of the robotaxi is spacious and modern, with seating for up to six passengers and ample room for luggage. This makes the vehicle suitable for group travel, airport trips, and longer urban rides.
Interactive in-cabin displays allow riders to manage climate settings, music, and trip preferences. Passengers can also view route details, estimated arrival times, and upcoming maneuvers in real time. For added convenience, the interface includes options to contact customer support, request stops, or access safety features directly from the screen.
The absence of a traditional driver’s role allows for a redesigned cabin layout, prioritizing comfort, visibility, and ease of entry and exit.
Testing, Safety, and Production Plans
Prototype versions of the robotaxi are already undergoing on-road testing in the San Francisco Bay Area, with trained safety operators present during the validation phase. These tests are focused on verifying system reliability, refining autonomous behavior, and meeting regulatory requirements.
Once testing and approvals are complete, production is expected to begin at Lucid’s manufacturing facility in Arizona. The robotaxi is described as “production-intent,” meaning it closely reflects the final version that will be deployed in commercial service.
Uber has stated that safety remains the top priority, with extensive simulation, real-world testing, and continuous monitoring built into the development process.
Uber’s Vision for Autonomous Ride-Hailing
Uber plans to deploy tens of thousands of autonomous vehicles over the coming years, using its global platform to scale robotaxi services across major cities. Rather than developing its own self-driving technology from scratch, Uber is pursuing a partnership-driven approach, working with leading automotive and autonomy specialists.
This strategy allows Uber to focus on fleet management, user experience, and marketplace optimization while leveraging best-in-class vehicle and software technology from its partners.
The launch of this robotaxi places Uber among a growing group of companies racing to commercialize autonomous transportation. As competition in the self-driving space intensifies, Uber’s collaboration with Lucid and Nuro positions it strongly in the premium autonomous mobility segment.
The Future of Urban Mobility
The introduction of Uber’s new robotaxi signals a broader shift in how cities may approach transportation in the coming decade. Fully autonomous electric vehicles have the potential to reduce operating costs, improve road safety, lower emissions, and increase access to reliable transportation.
By combining electric vehicle efficiency, advanced AI-driven autonomy, and a globally recognized ride-hailing platform, Uber, Lucid, and Nuro are aiming to redefine the future of urban mobility one autonomous ride at a time.
