Uber, Wayve and Nissan to Launch Robotaxi Service in Tokyo by Late 2026

Uber is expanding its autonomous vehicle network to Tokyo, Japan, through a partnership with British AI firm Wayve and Japanese automaker Nissan. The collaboration aims to launch a robotaxi service utilizing Nissan Leaf electric vehicles equipped with Wayve’s AI Driver technology by the end of 2026. This marks Uber’s first foray into the autonomous vehicle market in Japan.

Partnership Details and Deployment Strategy

Nissan will integrate Wayve’s self-driving software into the Nissan Leaf, making the vehicles available to riders through the Uber app. Initially, the robotaxis will operate with a trained safety driver onboard to oversee operations and gather data. The companies plan to gradually transition to fully driverless operation as the technology matures and regulatory approvals are secured [TechCrunch]. Uber intends to work with a licensed Japanese taxi partner, currently being selected, to facilitate the service.

Global Expansion and Future Plans

This partnership is part of Uber’s broader strategy to establish a network of robotaxi services in over ten cities worldwide, including London, Madrid, and Hong Kong [TechCrunch]. Wayve and Uber are actively pursuing deployments in multiple regions, including the US, UK, continental Europe, East Asia, and the MENA region [TechCrunch]. Wayve is also working on a separate robotaxi service in London with Uber and integrating its driver-assistance technology into Nissan vehicles slated for production in 2027 [TechCrunch].

Wayve’s Technology and Investment

Wayve’s AI Driver system is designed to operate on various vehicles and adapt to modern environments without relying on high-definition maps. This approach is intended to accelerate deployment in complex urban areas like Tokyo [AutoWeek]. The company recently secured $1.2 billion in funding, with investors including Uber, Nissan, SoftBank, Nvidia, Microsoft, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis [TechCrunch], demonstrating confidence in its AI platform’s versatility.

Nissan’s Strategic Restructuring

For Nissan, the partnership with Wayve is a strategic move as the automaker undergoes a significant restructuring to address financial challenges. Outsourcing autonomous driving development to Wayve avoids the need for substantial in-house investment. Integrating Wayve’s technology into the Nissan Leaf aims to showcase the vehicle’s compatibility with autonomous systems and signal Nissan’s commitment to future mobility solutions. Nissan is projecting a net loss of approximately $4 billion for the current fiscal year [AutoWeek]. The company’s next-generation ProPilot driver assistance systems are planned for launch in fiscal year 2027 [AutoWeek].

Challenges and Opportunities in Tokyo

Tokyo presents a challenging environment for autonomous vehicles due to its dense traffic, complex road layouts, and stringent safety regulations [AutoWeek]. Wayve has been testing its technology in Japan since early 2025, gaining experience in navigating these unique road conditions [AutoWeek]. Despite these challenges, the successful deployment of robotaxis in Tokyo would represent a significant milestone for the autonomous vehicle industry.