Uber launches robotaxi tests in Munich with AI partner Autobrains

Uber and Israeli AI company Autobrains have announced their collaboration for autonomous vehicles in Munich. Golem reports that Uber is using a new AI-based approach to autonomous driving that combines aerial imagery and cameras. Testing is scheduled to begin in 2026 and marks the first large-scale robotaxi operation in Germany.

The project combines three components: Uber's ride-booking platform, Nvidia's Autonomy platform Drive Hyperion, and Autobrains' AI technology. Manager Magazin explains that this approach uses agentic AI – autonomous systems that make decisions in real time. The combination of aerial imagery and camera data enables the system to perceive the environment more precisely than previous methods.

Economic opportunities and regulatory hurdles

For mobility providers, autonomous driving promises significant savings in personnel costs. Süddeutsche.de emphasizes that the service could fundamentally change the economics of ride-hailing models. Testing in Munich is contingent on regulatory approval – a decisive factor, as Germany has strict regulations for autonomous vehicles.

The choice of Munich is strategic: the city is considered the centre of the German automotive industry and has established infrastructure for mobility testing. Autobrains, founded in Israel, brings specialized expertise in agentic AI. Nvidia, in turn, provides the hardware and software platform on which the autonomous systems run.

Expansion into Europe

The project shows how European cities are increasingly becoming testing grounds for global robotaxi ambitions. While Uber is already experimenting with similar projects in the United States, the Munich test is a signal for expansion into Europe – provided that regulation cooperates.