Uber recently teamed up with Momenta, a Chinese startup focused on self-driving technology, in what could be a game-changer for urban transportation. This joint effort will add autonomous vehicles to Uber’s global lineup. The first rollout is set for Europe in early 2026 (yes, you read that right—2026), marking a big step toward bringing self-driving rides to more people all over the globe.
A strategic partnership for global expansion
Uber’s move to join forces with Momenta is a turning point as it heads back into the self-driving space after selling its own division to Aurora back in 2020. By tapping into Momenta’s know-how, Uber plans to launch self-driving vehicles in international markets (excluding the United States and China). The journey kicks off with robotaxis in Europe, showing Uber’s dedication to pushing beyond its usual ride-hailing services.
The CEOs are pretty excited about the collaboration. Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber’s CEO, pointed out how pairing Uber’s huge network with Momenta’s advanced tech will let “more people around the world enjoy autonomous cars.” On the other side, Xudong Cao, Momenta’s CEO, highlighted that this deal will help them extend their robotaxi technology into fresh international territories via Uber’s platform.
Rollout schedule and safety precautions
Autonomous vehicles will join Uber’s fleet starting early 2026, with Europe being the first stop. In this early phase, every vehicle will have a safety operator on board (this is to make sure passengers feel secure and any surprises are handled right away). This careful setup shows that both companies are serious about keeping things safe and reliable as they test the waters with self-driving tech.
Having safety operators onboard from the get-go will help Uber and Momenta earn public trust and collect useful data for future rollouts. This approach follows what many experts consider smart practice and shows a thoughtful way to integrate new tech into everyday life.
Existing partnerships and broader game plan
This isn’t Uber’s first ride into the self-driving scene through partnerships. In certain U.S. cities, Uber customers can already use Waymo’s (Google’s) robotaxi service through the Uber app. Plus, earlier this year, Uber announced a big collaboration with Volkswagen Group of America. That deal will see a fleet of fully autonomous ID. Buzz AD vehicles hit the streets in Los Angeles, also planned for 2026.
These alliances show how Uber is stepping away from building its own self-driving systems and instead linking up with top players in the field. By joining forces with the likes of Waymo and Volkswagen, along with emerging tech leaders like Momenta, Uber is setting itself up to be a key player in the self-driving world.
Looking ahead: the future of self-driving travel
Looking forward, as self-driving cars become a regular part of how cities move, deals like the one with Momenta are set to speed up the shift. By pooling their resources and know-how, these companies are paving the way for safer and more convenient travel options (this could really change how we get around).
For riders, this means easier access to rides and a smoother travel experience, while also potentially easing traffic and benefiting the environment. As the technology keeps evolving, there’s a lot to watch about how it might change not just our cities, but also the way we think about getting from one place to another.
Whether you’re a tech buff or just someone curious about new ways to travel, this partnership is definitely one to keep an eye on in the coming years.
