Dara Khosrowshahi Doubles Down on Uber’s Robotaxi Strategy

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi sees the autonomous driving revolution on the horizon, and aims to lead it. After ramping up Uber’s robotics efforts in recent months, Khosrowshahi is now launching a new phase to accelerate mainstream adoption of autonomous vehicles (AV). Known as Uber Autonomous Solutions, the unit will offer services ranging from what the company describes as an industry-first insurance program to customer support and real-time roadside assistance.

“Innovation and independence are moving fast, but meaningful trade will take a long time,” Khosrowshahi said in a statement yesterday (Feb. 23). He added that Uber’s experience with on-demand travel and ride-hailing services positions it well for change.

Since joining Uber in 2017 after more than a decade at Expedia, Khosrowshahi has steered the company deeper into the robotics market by integrating autonomous vehicle developers into its platform. Uber has signed agreements with about 20 AV partners around the world, including Waymo and China’s WeRide.

Although Uber does not build its own robotaxis, it positions itself as a central player in the ecosystem. Earlier this month, the San Francisco-based company announced plans to invest more than $100 million in building AV charging stations across the U.S. This news comes on the heels of Uber’s recently launched AV Lab, which will collect driving data to support the training efforts of its robotaxi partners.

Uber Autonomous Solutions brings many of these systems together under one umbrella. The main focus will be on infrastructure, including map support to help AVs navigate rush hour traffic and avoid hazards such as bad weather or road closures. The unit will also tap into Uber’s existing partnership to develop high-traffic areas for autonomous rides.

For more than a decade, Uber has managed ride-hailing for millions of users and drivers. Now the company plans to extend that technology to AVs, offering customer support and assistance with issues such as road breakdowns, lost items and towing. It will also provide tailored insurance for manufacturers, owners and operators of vessels.

Khosrawshi’s latest move underscores Uber’s bet on a fast-growing market. “We are more confident than ever that AVs will open up a multi-billion dollar opportunity for Uber,” the CEO said earlier this month during Uber’s latest earnings call. The pressure comes as analysts project a major disruption in the traditional ride: robotaxis is expected to end up capturing up to 85 percent of trips currently conducted by traditional ride or taxi services in major markets, according to an estimate by the Boston Consulting Group.

Leading the new division will be Sarfraz Maredia, Uber’s global head of autonomous transportation and delivery. “AV tech teams should be able to focus on what they do best: building software that can safely power the autonomous world,” Maredia said in a statement. “Uber Autonomous Solutions are designed to complement their strengths by providing operational depth wherever they need it.”