Wayve, Uber and Nissan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development and deployment of autonomous robotaxi services, with a pilot launch planned in Tokyo by late 2026. The initiative will introduce robotaxis based on the Nissan LEAF equipped with Wayve’s AI-powered autonomous driving system and integrated with Uber’s ride-hailing platform.
The partnership marks Uber’s first autonomous vehicle collaboration in Japan and represents a key milestone in the global robotaxi expansion plans of Wayve and Uber. The companies are targeting services across more than ten cities worldwide, including London.
Under the agreement, Wayve’s end-to-end AI autonomous driving system, known as the Wayve AI Driver, will be integrated into Nissan’s base vehicle platform. The system will enable vehicles to operate autonomously while connecting to Uber’s ride-hailing network, allowing passengers to book robotaxi rides through the Uber app.
During the initial phase of deployment, the vehicles will operate with a trained safety operator on board to ensure safety and support the gradual introduction of autonomous services. Riders will be able to experience robotaxi services as part of their daily travel through the Uber platform.
Tokyo has been selected as the pilot location due to its highly complex driving conditions, including dense traffic, intricate road layouts and strict safety standards. The companies believe these factors will help demonstrate the robustness and reliability of the technology in one of the world’s most challenging urban mobility environments.
Wayve’s AI Driver is designed to learn directly from real-world driving data and adapt to new roads and cities without relying on high-definition (HD) maps. This capability enables faster deployment across different global markets and supports operations in dynamic urban environments.
Alex Kendall, Co-founder and CEO of Wayve, said Tokyo represents a significant step in bringing advanced AI-powered mobility to one of the world’s most sophisticated transport ecosystems. He added that the company has been testing its technology across Japan since early 2025, gaining valuable insights into the country’s unique road conditions.
Ivan Espinosa, President and CEO of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., said the partnership builds on the company’s efforts to integrate advanced AI technologies into its vehicle portfolio. He noted that combining Wayve’s AI system, Uber’s ride-hailing network and Nissan’s vehicles will help bring intelligent mobility solutions to everyday users.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi highlighted autonomous mobility as an increasingly important part of the company’s platform. He said the Tokyo pilot, following a planned deployment in London, reflects Uber’s long-term commitment to Japan and its efforts to address driver shortages while enhancing urban transportation.
Uber plans to launch the service through a licensed taxi partner in Japan and is currently in the process of selecting suitable partners while working closely with local authorities.
As part of the announcement, the companies also revealed the first prototype of the robotaxi based on the Nissan LEAF, signaling their shared ambition to expand safe and intelligent autonomous mobility to cities worldwide
