Uber is building an autonomous vehicle empire, and here’s every company it’s using to do it
Uber has shifted from developing autonomous vehicles itself to building a global network of partnerships and investments in more than 30 AV companies. The strategy matters because it lets Uber offer robotaxi and self-driving freight services through its app without bearing the full cost and risk of creating the technology in-house.
– Uber abandoned its in-house AV programme after a Waymo lawsuit, Travis Kalanick’s 2017 departure and a fatal 2018 crash in Arizona.
– In 2020, it sold Uber ATG to Aurora but retained an equity stake; it now holds 19.7% of Aurora’s Class A equity.
– Aurora and Uber Freight expanded their collaboration in 2024, with self-driving truck round trips between Dallas and Houston announced in 2025.
– Uber and Autobrains plan a Munich robotaxi service, subject to regulatory approval, using Autobrains’ AI driving system.
– Uber owns a 30% stake in European fleet operator Avomo, which supports services including cleaning, maintenance, charging and depot operations.
- Uber is pursuing autonomy through partners rather than in-house development.
- Aurora remains Uber’s most significant autonomous vehicle investment.
- Robotaxi and self-driving freight services are expanding internationally.