Zoox and Uber partner up, beginning driverless rides in two major metropolitan areas

Zoox and Uber Technologies have announced a strategic partnership to deploy Zoox’s purpose-built robotaxis on Uber’s rideshare network. This use of truly autonomous robotaxis will begin in one of Zoox’s existing footprints and another massive metropolitan area next year.

As I’m sure you’re already aware, Uber Technologies is the undisputed leader in rideshare networks. Since its inception in 2009, its business umbrella has expanded to various ride options, food delivery services, freight logistics, and let’s not forget robotaxis.

If there is a company out there developing viable robotaxi technology, chances are Uber is in talks with them or already has an agreement or partnership in place. There are honestly too many to link into a paragraph cleverly, so here’s a list of some of the bigger partnerships:

There’s plenty more, too. Up until today, however, one name missing from Uber’s rolodex had been Zoox. The Amazon-owned robtaxi developer is one of the more exciting companies to follow in its nascent segment, especially since it is one of the few developing and deploying its own purpose-built EVs into service.

Zoox recently surpassed over 1 million autonomous miles, transporting more than 300,000 riders in cities like San Francisco (Explorers program) and Las Vegas, in the vehicle seen below. Today, Zoox and Uber announced a new partnership to help deploy more of these vehicles in Las Vegas, followed by SoCal in 2027.

According to a press release from Uber, it has signed a strategic partnership with Zoox to help deploy its purpose-built robotaxis vehicles on its rideshare network, beginning in Las Vegas this summer.

That deployment will be followed by more driverless vehicles entering service in Los Angeles sometime in mid-2027. Zoox CEO, Aicha Evans, spoke about the partnership with Uber:

We are excited to partner with Uber, a company that shares our vision for transforming mobility. This partnership is an opportunity to continue advancing the use of autonomous mobility in daily life. Through our collaboration, Zoox will provide a differentiated rider experience to those who already know and love the convenience of riding with Uber.

When these new launches begin, Uber customers will have the chance to hail a ride in a Zoox robotaxi on certain eligible trips. Per Zoox, it will continue to offer its service through its own app in both Las Vegas and Los Angeles, in addition to incoming availability on Uber’s rideshare network. Uber CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, also spoke:

The Zoox robotaxi is unlike any other vehicle on the planet – it was purpose-built from the ground up to deliver an extraordinary experience. Zoox’s commitment to safety and their advanced autonomous driving technology make them an ideal partner. We’re thrilled to work together to introduce more riders to the future of mobility.

This is Zoox’s first third-party partnership, but it is certainly much more common for Uber. Exciting news nonetheless.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Subscribe to Electrek on YouTube for exclusive videos and subscribe to the podcast.

Scooter Doll is a writer, designer and tech enthusiast born in Chicago and based on the West Coast. When he’s not offering the latest tech how tos or insights, he’s probably watching Chicago sports. Please send any tips or suggestions, or dog photos to him at scooter@9to5mac.com