Europe is making concerted efforts to catch up with the US and China in deploying commercially operational robotaxi services, with Munich's initiative being a key part of this strategy.

Uber and China-based self-driving tech firm Momenta announced plans to test Level 4 autonomous vehicles in Munich, Germany, in 2026, aiming to expand their robotaxi services amid increasing global competition.

Momenta's driver assistance software is currently installed in 400,000 vehicles through its automotive partnerships, supporting their push into autonomous driving.

Uber maintains partnerships with 20 autonomous vehicle companies, including Momenta, WeRide, Pony.ai, and Wayve, with ongoing operations in the Middle East and the U.S.

The development of self-driving technology continues despite challenges such as safety concerns and regulatory scrutiny following high-profile accidents.

Regulatory hurdles and safety concerns remain significant, with companies emphasizing safety and compliance as they deploy autonomous vehicles.

Level 4 autonomous vehicles are capable of operating without human intervention in specific zones and under certain conditions.

In May 2025, Uber announced a partnership to test Level 4 autonomous vehicles in Munich, initially involving safety drivers, with plans to eventually operate fully autonomous vehicles in geofenced areas.

This initiative aims to launch in 2026, with preparations including certification and approval from German authorities, marking a significant step in Europe's autonomous vehicle deployment.

Uber faces regulatory challenges in Germany, including safety certification and geo-fencing approval, due to strict automotive safety standards.

Uber shifted from developing its own self-driving cars to partnering with manufacturers after a fatal incident in 2020 and allegations of trade secret theft from Waymo.

Meanwhile, Waymo is preparing to launch its robotaxi service in Dallas in partnership with Avis Budget Group, which will manage fleet operations and vehicle maintenance.