- Updated: March 26, 2026
- 2 min read
Uber Robotaxi Teams Up with Pony AI and Verne to Launch Europe’s First Autonomous Taxi Service
Uber Robotaxi Teams Up with Pony AI and Verne to Launch Europe’s First Autonomous Taxi Service
Uber is taking a bold step into the European autonomous‑vehicle market by partnering with Chinese self‑driving specialist Pony AI and the European robotics firm Verne. The collaboration will debut Europe’s first commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb, Croatia, marking a significant milestone for both Uber’s robotaxi ambitions and the broader rollout of self‑driving taxis across the continent.
The joint venture combines Pony AI’s proven autonomous‑driving platform—already operating in China’s major cities—with Verne’s expertise in vehicle integration and fleet management. Together, they will field a fleet of Uber‑branded robotaxis that are expected to begin passenger service later this year after a series of extensive road‑testing phases in Zagreb and surrounding areas.
Testing will focus on real‑world urban scenarios, including complex traffic patterns, pedestrian interactions, and varied weather conditions. Uber’s involvement brings its extensive ride‑hailing network and data insights, while Pony AI contributes its cutting‑edge perception and decision‑making algorithms. Verne will handle vehicle retrofitting, safety compliance, and on‑ground operations.
Strategically, the partnership positions Uber ahead of European competitors such as Waymo and Cruise, which are still navigating regulatory hurdles. By leveraging Pony AI’s technology and Verne’s local market knowledge, Uber aims to accelerate the adoption of autonomous mobility solutions throughout Europe, potentially expanding the service to other major cities after a successful launch in Zagreb.
For a deeper dive into the original announcement, read the Verge article. Explore more about autonomous transportation on our site: AI Transport and Autonomous Vehicles.
Andrii Bidochko
CTO UBOS
Andrii Bidochko is an AI entrepreneur and researcher focused on AI agents, reinforcement learning, and autonomous systems. He writes about the technologies shaping the future of machine intelligence, from frontier models and agent architectures to real-world AI applications.