European Investor
13 Aug 2026, 18:02
# Uber Expands Robotaxi Push with Tokyo Pilot Planned for Late 2026
Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) is advancing its autonomous mobility strategy in Japan through a new operational partnership with Hinomaru Kotsu for a robotaxi pilot scheduled to launch in Tokyo in late 2026.
The program builds on Uber’s March 2026 robotaxi agreement with Nissan and autonomous-driving technology company Wayve. The pilot will use Nissan LEAF vehicles equipped with Wayve’s AI Driver technology, while rides will be available through Uber’s ride-hailing platform.
## Uber Builds Local Operating Model for Robotaxis
Hinomaru Kotsu will handle the physical fleet operations required for the service, including vehicle maintenance, inspections, cleaning, charging, depot management and vehicle availability.
The structure is particularly important in Japan because passenger transportation must be provided by authorized taxi operators. Uber will supply the matching platform and operational tools, while Hinomaru Kotsu will act as the licensed fleet operator.
The initial rollout will not be fully driverless. Experienced Hinomaru Kotsu drivers will remain behind the wheel as safety operators, with fully autonomous operations potentially introduced later subject to regulatory approval.
For Uber, the Tokyo project represents another step toward positioning its platform as an aggregation layer for autonomous vehicles rather than relying exclusively on human drivers. Partnerships with automakers, autonomous-driving developers and established fleet operators could allow Uber to expand robotaxi services without developing its own autonomous-driving system.
Tokyo also provides a demanding test environment because of its dense urban infrastructure and complex traffic conditions. A successful deployment could strengthen Uber's position as autonomous mobility moves from limited testing toward commercial ride-hailing applications.
The partnership could also address Japan's persistent driver shortages over the longer term, while giving Uber an additional route to expand its presence in a market where local transportation regulations have historically constrained traditional ride-hailing models.
Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) is advancing its autonomous mobility strategy in Japan through a new operational partnership with Hinomaru Kotsu for a robotaxi pilot scheduled to launch in Tokyo in late 2026.
The program builds on Uber’s March 2026 robotaxi agreement with Nissan and autonomous-driving technology company Wayve. The pilot will use Nissan LEAF vehicles equipped with Wayve’s AI Driver technology, while rides will be available through Uber’s ride-hailing platform.
## Uber Builds Local Operating Model for Robotaxis
Hinomaru Kotsu will handle the physical fleet operations required for the service, including vehicle maintenance, inspections, cleaning, charging, depot management and vehicle availability.
The structure is particularly important in Japan because passenger transportation must be provided by authorized taxi operators. Uber will supply the matching platform and operational tools, while Hinomaru Kotsu will act as the licensed fleet operator.
The initial rollout will not be fully driverless. Experienced Hinomaru Kotsu drivers will remain behind the wheel as safety operators, with fully autonomous operations potentially introduced later subject to regulatory approval.
For Uber, the Tokyo project represents another step toward positioning its platform as an aggregation layer for autonomous vehicles rather than relying exclusively on human drivers. Partnerships with automakers, autonomous-driving developers and established fleet operators could allow Uber to expand robotaxi services without developing its own autonomous-driving system.
Tokyo also provides a demanding test environment because of its dense urban infrastructure and complex traffic conditions. A successful deployment could strengthen Uber's position as autonomous mobility moves from limited testing toward commercial ride-hailing applications.
The partnership could also address Japan's persistent driver shortages over the longer term, while giving Uber an additional route to expand its presence in a market where local transportation regulations have historically constrained traditional ride-hailing models.
