Uber gets smart, sexy and speedy in Japan Uber is expanding its presence in Japan through a strategic collaboration with Nissan and Wayve to launch robotaxi services in Tokyo. The initiative aims to introduce autonomous electric vehicles to the city’s streets using Nissan Leaf EVs equipped with Wayve’s autonomous driving technology. This partnership marks a significant step in Uber’s efforts to innovate urban mobility in one of the world’s most advanced transportation markets. The collaboration, announced in March 2026, involves testing and pilot deployment of robotaxis in Tokyo, with initial operations including a safety driver. Wayve CEO Alex Kendall confirmed that the company has been testing its technology throughout Japan since early 2025, emphasizing a responsible approach to introducing autonomous vehicles through partnerships with Uber and Nissan. The goal is to gather real-world data and refine the technology before broader deployment. Uber and Wayve are also evaluating opportunities to launch robotaxi services in ten cities globally during 2026, including Tokyo and London. This expansion aligns with growing interest in autonomous ride-hailing solutions, which industry analysts project could reach a market value of $168 billion by 2035. In Japan, Uber has been operating since 2014, gradually overcoming regulatory challenges in a market historically dominated by traditional taxi services. Even as progress in urban centers like Tokyo has been slow, Uber has recently made inroads in rural areas, where transportation options are more limited. The robotaxi pilot represents a new phase in Uber’s Japan strategy, combining autonomous vehicle technology with its established ride-hailing platform. The use of Nissan Leaf EVs highlights a focus on sustainability, leveraging Japan’s widespread adoption of electric vehicles. Wayve’s AV2.0 technology, which relies on machine learning rather than high-definition maps, enables the vehicles to navigate complex urban environments using camera-based sensors and end-to-end AI learning. This approach allows for greater adaptability to diverse driving conditions without requiring extensive pre-mapping. As the pilot progresses, Uber, Nissan and Wayve will monitor performance, safety, and user feedback to assess the viability of scaling robotaxi services in Tokyo and beyond. The collaboration reflects a broader trend of partnerships between automakers, technology firms, and ride-hailing companies aiming to accelerate the deployment of autonomous mobility solutions in dense urban settings.
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