Uber is testing its new Lucid Gravity SUV robotaxis in San Francisco, available to select employees via the Uber app. This initiative marks a significant step toward a public launch expected later this year. The self-driving system, developed by Nuro, allows the vehicles to operate autonomously, albeit with a human safety operator present.
This testing phase follows a partnership that began in July 2025, during which Uber invested $300 million in Lucid to secure the purchase of at least 20,000 Gravity SUVs over the next six years. These electric vehicles are equipped with Nuro’s advanced autonomous driving technology, powered by Nvidia’s Drive AGX Thor computer, featuring high-resolution cameras and smart lidar sensors for enhanced environmental awareness and operational capability.
Uber has also made an undisclosed investment in Nuro, described as a “multi-hundred-million dollar” amount. The plan is for Uber to manage and operate this premium robotaxi service, potentially with assistance from a third party, with the production of the modified Lucid Gravities anticipated to commence in late 2026, according to regulatory filings.
Nuro has successfully transitioned from closed-course testing to public road trials of the autonomous SUVs, amassing an operational fleet of 100 vehicles for experiments across various U.S. locations. The employee rides are crucial for Nuro’s team to assess the integration of their autonomy stack with the vehicles and the overall rider experience. This includes testing the vehicle’s ability to manage complicated pick-up and drop-off procedures, a key challenge in autonomous ride-hailing.
This innovative testing initiative represents a milestone in Uber’s journey toward integrating autonomous technology into their services, following substantial investments and partnerships that aim to revolutionise the future of urban transport.
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