In a significant step towards redefining urban mobility and delivery services, Uber has announced a multi-year partnership with Avride. This strategic alliance will see Avride’s advanced delivery robots and autonomous vehicles integrated into the Uber and Uber Eats platforms, setting the stage for an enhanced, efficient delivery and ride experience.
A New Era for Uber Eats in Austin, Expanding Nationwide
Starting next week, Uber Eats users in Austin, Texas, will be the first to experience the convenience of Avride’s sidewalk delivery robots. These autonomous robots will provide an innovative option for deliveries, taking over short-distance trips with precision and speed. By the end of the year, the service will expand to Dallas, Texas, and Jersey City, New Jersey. Following the initial delivery rollout, Uber plans to introduce Avride’s autonomous vehicles for passenger rides in Dallas in the coming year, marking a milestone for autonomous mobility in the U.S.
Revolutionizing Delivery with Autonomous Technology
For both consumers and merchants, this partnership promises more than just efficient deliveries. By integrating Avride’s fleet of autonomous delivery robots into Uber Eats, Uber is positioning itself as a leader in next-generation delivery solutions. Avride’s technology has already proven its capability, with delivery robots operating in South Korea and the United States. These robots are built to handle various delivery scenarios, including complex urban landscapes, making them ideal for densely populated areas.
Upon requesting a qualifying Uber Eats delivery or an Uber ride, customers will soon have the option to choose an Avride-powered autonomous vehicle or robot. This new option promises reduced wait times, lower operational costs, and a glimpse into the future of delivery and transportation.
Avride’s Vision and Expansion Plans
Avride, which has been pioneering in the autonomous vehicle industry, brings to this partnership a wealth of experience and cutting-edge technology. Dmitry Polishchuk, CEO of Avride, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to partner with Uber as we scale our operations and work together to further improve the delivery experience for both consumers and merchants. We plan to expand the total fleet of Avride robots operating within Uber Eats to hundreds in 2025, followed by the launch of our robotaxi service.”
Avride’s autonomous delivery robots are equipped to meet commercial demands, from handling last-mile deliveries to seamlessly navigating through urban environments. The company’s autonomous cars are also in the testing phase on public roads, indicating their readiness to support full-scale commercial deployment in the near future.
A Collaborative Vision for Autonomous Mobility
Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, highlighted the benefits of autonomous technology for communities and consumers alike: “Autonomous mobility and delivery hold a ton of promise for consumers and communities. We’re excited to partner with Avride to bring their technology to more people in more places, as they continue to scale.”
Through this partnership, Uber aims to accelerate its autonomous delivery and mobility strategies, which aligns with Uber’s vision of a more sustainable and technologically driven future. This partnership reflects a forward-thinking approach, where both Uber and Avride leverage each other’s strengths to redefine urban mobility.
As Uber and Avride continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in autonomous technology, consumers can look forward to faster, more efficient services, setting a new standard for convenience in daily life. This partnership is just the beginning, promising a future where autonomous technology is integral to transportation and delivery solutions worldwide.
