Reuters·2026-03-11 12:03Core Insights - Uber has signed a multi-year partnership with Zoox to deploy purpose-built robotaxis on its ride-hailing platform, marking Zoox's first collaboration with a third-party service [1] - The partnership aims to launch in Las Vegas this summer, with plans for a rollout in Los Angeles by mid-2027 [1] - Uber aims to be the largest facilitator of autonomous rides globally by 2029, expanding its operations to 15 cities by the end of 2026 [1] Company Overview - Zoox, founded in 2014 and acquired by Amazon for $1.3 billion in 2020, features a unique design without a steering wheel or pedals, focusing on passenger experience [1] - The company has completed over one million autonomous miles and served more than 300,000 riders [1] Industry Context - The partnership reflects a growing trend of collaborations between ride-hailing platforms and autonomous vehicle developers as the sector moves towards commercialization [1] - Despite trailing behind industry leader Waymo, Zoox is expanding its operations with limited services in Las Vegas and pilot programs in San Francisco, Dallas, and Phoenix [1]