Uber beats Waymo to London with lidar-free robotaxis

Uber just beat Waymo to the punch, launching London's first commercial robotaxi service.

According to The Verge, Uber riders in London can now opt into autonomous rides. The fleet runs on tech from UK startup Wayve, using cameras and radar instead of expensive lidar or HD maps. Licensed safety drivers will sit in the front seat for now, but Uber plans to phase them out over time.

Why it matters: This is a big early test for autonomous ridehailing outside the US and China. Wayve's software runs without a geofence, meaning these cars are tackling London's notoriously complex streets without virtual boundaries.

Know this: You can opt in through your Uber app settings under UberX, Uber Comfort, or Uber Electric. Rides aren't guaranteed, but if you get matched, your driver will be a software-powered Ford Mustang Mach-E.

Waymo promised to launch its own London service before the end of the year, but Uber took the first lap.