Uber taps AI firm Wayve to pilot fully driverless rides in the UK

Core Insights - Uber has partnered with Wayve to launch trials of fully autonomous rides in the U.K., marking the first pilot of its kind for the company, allowing rides without a safety driver present, classified as "Level 4" autonomous driving [1][2] - The partnership aims to enhance the safety and reliability of autonomous options for riders, with Wayve's AI Driver technology set to be tested on the streets of London [2] - The U.K. government has introduced an "accelerated framework" for self-driving commercial pilots, facilitating the launch of this pilot program [2][3] Company and Industry Developments - Wayve, a London-based startup backed by SoftBank, specializes in developing software for self-driving vehicles, utilizing AI to help cars assess their surroundings in various environments [3] - The U.K. has enacted the Autonomous Vehicles Act, which is expected to enable self-driving vehicles on British roads by 2026 [4] - Uber and Wayve will collaborate with the government and Transport for London to secure regulatory approvals before commencing the trials [3]