Uber Plans Tokyo Robotaxi Trial with Nissan and Britain's Wayve

UBER, Nissan, and British AI startup Wayve have announced plans for a robotaxi pilot in Tokyo, marking Uber's first autonomous vehicle partnership in Japan. The trial, expected to launch by late 2026 pending regulatory approval, will use Nissan Leaf EVs powered by Wayve's AI Driver technology connected to the Uber platform.

Safety operators will be present in each vehicle during the initial phase as the fleet gathers real-world data to navigate Tokyo's uniquely challenging driving environment — dense traffic, narrow streets, and complex road layouts. The Tokyo deployment is part of Uber's broader autonomous strategy spanning more than ten cities globally, with London trials expected to begin earlier in 2026.

UBER shares jumped 3.6% on the announcement, reflecting investor enthusiasm for the company's asset-light approach to autonomous mobility — partnering with hardware and software providers rather than building its own self-driving stack. The Tokyo market, one of the world's largest ride-hailing opportunities, could become a significant growth driver if the trial succeeds and scales. Competitors including Waymo and GM's Cruise are also eyeing international expansion, making the race for autonomous market share increasingly global.