What Uber's self-driving program is and where it operates
Uber has invested in autonomous vehicle technology through a division called Uber Advanced Technologies Group (ATG), which develops and tests self-driving cars. However, Uber does not currently operate a consumer self-driving service where you can request a driverless ride through the Uber app. The company has paused active development of its own autonomous vehicles and instead partners with other companies that build self-driving technology.
In 2020, Uber sold its self-driving division to Aurora Innovation, a separate autonomous vehicle company. Aurora continues to develop the technology that Uber originally created, but you cannot hail an Aurora vehicle through Uber. Instead, Uber has chosen to work with established autonomous vehicle operators and manufacturers rather than build its own fleet.
Some Uber rides in certain cities may eventually use self-driving vehicles from partner companies, but this is not yet a standard service. When and where this becomes available depends on regulatory approval, safety testing, and the readiness of the partner companies involved.
Key Takeaways
- Uber sold its self-driving division to Aurora Innovation in 2020 and no longer develops its own autonomous vehicles.
- You cannot currently request a self-driving Uber through the app — all Uber rides today are driven by human drivers.
- Uber is exploring partnerships with autonomous vehicle companies to potentially offer driverless rides in the future, but this service does not exist yet.
- Regulatory approval and safety testing determine when and where self-driving Uber rides might become available to riders.
Why Uber stepped back from building its own self-driving cars
Developing self-driving technology is extremely expensive and requires years of testing, regulatory work, and engineering. Uber decided that partnering with companies that specialize in autonomous vehicles made more business sense than continuing to build the technology in-house. This allowed Uber to focus on its core ride-hailing service while letting other companies handle the complex work of autonomous vehicle development.
The sale to Aurora also resolved legal and technical challenges Uber faced. By transferring the technology and team to Aurora, Uber reduced its own costs and liability while maintaining a relationship with a leading autonomous vehicle developer. This partnership approach is now Uber's strategy for eventually offering self-driving rides.
How self-driving Uber rides might work when they become available
If and when self-driving Uber rides launch, the experience would likely be similar to requesting a regular Uber. You would open the Uber app, enter your pickup and dropoff locations, and request a ride. Instead of a human driver arriving, a self-driving vehicle would come to you. The car would have safety features, cameras, sensors, and communication systems to navigate and respond to road conditions.
Self-driving Uber rides would probably start in limited areas — specific cities or neighborhoods where the technology has been thoroughly tested and approved by local regulators. Pricing, wait times, and availability would depend on how many autonomous vehicles are in operation and demand in your area. Uber has not announced specific launch dates or cities for this service.
Passengers would still be able to rate their ride and contact Uber support through the app if issues arise. However, there would be no driver to interact with, which changes the experience of the ride itself.
What regulators require before self-driving Uber rides can operate
Before any company can offer self-driving rides to the public, state and local governments must permit it. Regulators require extensive safety data, testing results, and proof that the vehicles can handle real-world driving conditions. Different states have different rules — some allow limited autonomous vehicle testing on public roads, while others restrict it or require special permits.
Cities also have a say in whether self-driving vehicles can operate within their limits. San Francisco, for example, has approved limited autonomous vehicle services from other companies but maintains strict oversight. Other cities have not yet allowed any self-driving ride services. Uber must work with regulators in each location where it wants to offer autonomous rides, which is a slow process.
Safety testing is ongoing. Autonomous vehicles must prove they can handle rain, snow, pedestrians, cyclists, construction zones, and unexpected obstacles. Regulators want to see accident data, response times, and evidence that self-driving cars are as safe as or safer than human drivers before allowing widespread service.
The difference between Uber's self-driving plans and other companies' services
Waymo, owned by Google's parent company Alphabet, operates Waymo One in Phoenix, Arizona — an actual self-driving ride service you can request through an app. Waymo has been testing autonomous vehicles longer than most companies and has regulatory approval to offer rides to the public in limited areas. Cruise, owned by General Motors, has also tested self-driving rides in San Francisco, though service has been paused for safety reviews.
Uber's approach is different because Uber does not operate its own self-driving vehicles. Instead, Uber is a potential partner and platform for other companies' autonomous technology. This means Uber might eventually offer self-driving rides through its app, but the vehicles and technology would come from companies like Aurora or other autonomous vehicle makers. Uber is betting on a partnership model rather than building everything itself.
This strategy has trade-offs. Uber moves faster by not developing the technology alone, but it also has less control over the timeline and quality of the service. The success of Uber's self-driving plans depends on how quickly its partners develop safe, reliable autonomous vehicles and how quickly regulators approve them.
What this means for Uber drivers and riders right now
For Uber drivers, self-driving technology remains a future concern, not an when ready threat. No self-driving Uber service exists today, and widespread autonomous ride-hailing is still years away in most places. Drivers continue to earn income through the Uber app as they do now. The timeline for self-driving Uber rides depends on technological breakthroughs, regulatory approval, and business decisions that have not yet been finalized.
For riders, self-driving Uber rides are not an option you can choose today. All Uber rides are currently driven by human drivers. If self-driving Uber rides eventually launch in your area, you would likely have the choice to request a traditional ride or an autonomous one, depending on what Uber offers. Pricing and availability would depend on the specific service and location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a self-driving Uber right now?
No. Uber does not currently offer self-driving rides through its app. All Uber rides today are driven by human drivers. Self-driving Uber rides do not exist as a consumer service yet.
Does Uber still own self-driving technology?
No. Uber sold its self-driving division, called Uber Advanced Technologies Group, to Aurora Innovation in 2020. Aurora now owns and develops that technology. Uber is exploring partnerships with autonomous vehicle companies instead of building its own.
When will self-driving Uber rides be available?
Uber has not announced a launch date or timeline for self-driving rides. The service depends on regulatory approval, safety testing, and the readiness of partner companies. It could be several years before self-driving Uber rides become available in any city.
Will self-driving Uber rides cost more or less than regular Uber rides?
Uber has not announced pricing for self-driving rides. Costs would depend on the technology partner, operating expenses, demand, and local market conditions. Pricing details would only be available once the service is closer to launch.
What happens to Uber drivers if self-driving cars take over?
Self-driving Uber rides are not imminent, and widespread adoption would take many years. Uber drivers continue to earn income today. The long-term impact on driver employment depends on how quickly the technology develops, how regulators respond, and what business model Uber ultimately chooses.