Uber says it alone can make robotaxis pay, hours after Waymo quit its app

You can now book robotaxis directly through Uber's app if you are in specific cities.

Uber announced its intention to dominate the robotaxi market on the same day its partner Waymo decided to pull its autonomous vehicles from the Uber app. Waymo, a Google-owned company, stated that its partnership with Uber was ending because riders booking Waymo vehicles through the Uber app were not guaranteed to receive one. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi countered this by asserting Uber's platform is the ideal place for robotaxi fleet operators, citing a 30 percent higher trips per vehicle per day compared to other autonomous cab apps. He emphasized that Uber's existing charging and maintenance infrastructure, combined with its marketplace fee, can lead to higher fleet profitability. Uber plans to deploy 2,000 robotaxis by 2027 and anticipates a larger commercial rollout in 2028, working with both its own fleet and third-party operators.

Uber's strategic pivot to become the go-to platform for robotaxi fleets signals a consolidation play in the autonomous vehicle market. By leveraging its existing user base and logistical expertise, Uber aims to capture a significant share of the robotaxi market, potentially marginalizing smaller operators who might attempt to build their own booking platforms. This move also positions Uber to benefit from the scaling of autonomous technology, much like Google has done with its other services.

The divergence between Waymo and Uber highlights the ongoing debate about ecosystem versus in-house development for AV companies. While Waymo's exit suggests a desire for greater control over the rider experience, Uber's aggressive expansion plans indicate a belief that platform aggregation is the most profitable path forward. Companies that choose to partner with Uber could see increased utilization and profitability, while those that don't may face greater challenges in achieving scale and reaching consumers.