Uber's new autonomous vehicle division is about survival and opportunity

Core Insights - Uber has launched a new division called Uber Autonomous Solutions to manage all aspects of operating autonomous vehicles, including software and support services [1] - The company has formed partnerships with nearly two dozen autonomous vehicle technology firms, covering various applications from robotaxis to delivery robots [2] - Uber aims to make itself indispensable to these partners by providing operational support, allowing them to focus on software development [3] Partnerships and Investments - Uber has invested in companies like Lucid, Nuro, Waabi, and WeRide, and has allocated $100 million for building fast-charging stations for autonomous vehicles [2] - The company has established a shared robotaxi service with Waymo in Atlanta and Austin, and has partnerships with Chinese firms such as Baidu and Pony.ai [9] Operational Goals - The initiative aims to reduce costs per mile for partners and accelerate the deployment of robotaxis to over 15 cities by the end of the year [4] - Uber plans to handle infrastructure needs such as training data, mapping, fleet financing, and regulatory services [7] User Experience and Fleet Management - The new division will also focus on enhancing user experience, including customer support and fleet management, which involves remote assistance and insurance [8] - Uber's approach to fleet management is particularly relevant given recent scrutiny over labor practices in the autonomous vehicle sector [8] Strategic Context - The launch of this division follows Uber's sale of its in-house AV development unit, Uber ATG, in 2020, which was a response to internal challenges and external pressures [9] - The new division is seen as a way for Uber to protect its business model against potential revenue loss from the rise of autonomous vehicles [10]