The program includes a safety driver and aims to refine the rider experience, safety, and reliability in live conditions before full commercialization.

Uber CEO has publicly stated the goal to compete with Waymo and grow Uber’s robotaxi footprint.

The collaboration features a six-seater Lucid Gravity SUV, built with Nvidia tech and Nuro’s autonomous software, as part of a broader investment by Uber in Lucid and Nuro and a purchase agreement for Lucid Gravity SUVs.

Regulatory filings indicate Uber intends to own and operate the service, with production of the modified Lucid Gravity robotaxis beginning in late 2026 and plans to deploy 100,000 units in the U.S. starting in early 2027.

A key competitive edge cited is a six-seat capacity versus Waymo’s four-seat vehicles, which could translate into higher ride throughput and a broader service offering.

Uber, Nuro, and Lucid Motors are expanding premium robotaxi testing in the San Francisco Bay Area using Gravity-controlled SUVs, with select Uber employees able to request rides in a Lucid Gravity robotaxi via the Uber app as part of ongoing testing ahead of a public launch later this year.

The Gravity robotaxis are equipped with Nuro's level 4 autonomy and operate in autonomous mode with a safety driver on board, as testing progresses toward a late-2026 public rollout.

This initiative positions Uber to challenge Waymo’s dominance in San Francisco, signaling intensified competition in autonomous passenger mobility.

Tests are conducted with a safety driver in the front seat to validate rider experience, safety, reliability, and the overall execution ahead of a broader commercial deployment.

Regulatory and testing nuances shape the immediate rollout timeline, pending approvals that could affect deployment speed.

Uber plans a San Francisco-based public rollout within the year, with a broader expansion to dozens of global markets over the next six years.

Industry context points to potential improvements in service quality and price competitiveness as Uber and Lucid vie for autonomous driving market share.