Uber rival inDrive eyes 2027 robotaxi tests in Central Asia with Pony.ai and Nvidia

inDrive, a ride-hailing company, has partnered with Pony.ai and Nvidia to begin testing robotaxis in Kazakhstan in 2027. The tests will start in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, in the first half of 2027. Pony.ai will provide Gen-7 robotaxis, while Nvidia will supply AI technology, including its Hyperion platform and Halos safety system. The collaboration reflects growing interest in self-driving technology beyond the U.S. and China. The tests will initially involve a safety operator, with fully driverless rides as the eventual goal. The move comes as ride-hailing companies expand their push into robotaxis, with Uber also testing Pony.ai’s robotaxis in London and working with other companies in the Middle East.

• The partnership involves inDrive, Pony.ai, and Nvidia.
• Testing will begin in Astana, Kazakhstan, in the first half of 2027.
• Pony.ai will provide Gen-7 robotaxis, and Nvidia will supply AI technology.
• The tests will start with a safety operator, aiming for full driverless rides.
• The collaboration is part of a broader trend of ride-hailing companies exploring robotaxis.
• Uber is also testing Pony.ai’s robotaxis in London and working with other companies in the Middle East.
• inDrive aims to bring a similar focus to autonomous ride-hailing in Kazakhstan, where Uber and other rivals are already making moves.
• The approach is capital-light, combining expertise from different partners to deliver a better customer experience.
• Nvidia’s Hyperion platform could lower the cost of developing robotaxis by providing a ready-made foundation of sensors and computing technology.
• The platform is particularly relevant in emerging markets where autonomous services need to compete on cost.
• The announcement coincides with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s first visit to Kazakhstan.
• Kazakhstan plans to launch autonomous taxi services in 2027, with initial trials in Astana and two other cities.
• The city faces harsh winters, posing challenges for autonomous driving systems.
• Astana’s harsh winters could provide valuable insights for expanding autonomous mobility to other locations.
• inDrive operates in more than 1,200 cities across 47 countries and has expanded into delivery, intercity transportation, and financial services.
• The partnership with Saudi Arabia’s AI Driver aims to deploy autonomous vehicles powered by WeRide, though the testing status is unclear.
• The companies emphasize the importance of a favorable and collaborative regulatory environment for safe and sustainable testing.

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