Uber has aggressively expanded its autonomous vehicle (AV) strategy, partnering with—and in some cases directly investing in—more than 30 companies over the past two years. This global approach marks a significant shift from its earlier in-house development efforts. Here, we track every notable move in one place, providing context and insight into Uber's evolving AV ecosystem.
From In-House Development to Strategic Retreat
Uber's journey in autonomous vehicles began with ambition. Under then-CEO Travis Kalanick, the company launched Uber Advanced Technologies Group (ATG) in 2014, recruiting dozens of researchers from Carnegie Mellon University's robotics program. By 2016, Uber acquired Otto, a self-driving truck startup founded by former Google engineer Anthony Levandowski and others, and began public road testing in California, Pittsburgh, and Arizona.
However, three pivotal events unraveled this progress:
- Waymo's trade secrets lawsuit against Uber
- Kalanick's resignation in 2017
- A fatal pedestrian crash in Tempe, Arizona, in 2018 involving a self-driving Volvo XC90 (the vehicle was in autonomous mode, and the safety operator was distracted)
Uber suspended testing and reorganized its AV program, but it never fully recovered its original momentum.
The Pivot: Selling Moonshots, Retaining Stakes
When Dara Khosrowshahi took over as CEO, Uber underwent a strategic reset. In 2020, the company divested its moonshot projects to focus on core ride-hailing and delivery businesses. Key transactions included:
- Selling Uber ATG to Aurora (with Uber retaining an equity stake)
- Selling Jump to Lime
- Selling Elevate (air taxi unit) to Joby Aviation
These moves allowed Uber to exit direct AV development while preserving financial upside through equity positions.
The Comeback: Strategic Partnerships and Investments (2024-2026)
Just two years later, Uber crept back into the AV space, but this time as a partner and investor rather than a builder. Deal flow picked up dramatically in 2024 and has continued into 2026. Below is a curated list of Uber's notable AV collaborations, which will be updated as new moves occur.
Aurora
Uber's partnership with Aurora is a cornerstone of its AV strategy. After selling ATG to Aurora in 2020, Uber retained a stake. In 2024, the companies expanded their collaboration, integrating Aurora's self-driving trucks into Uber Freight's network. This partnership leverages Aurora's advanced driverless technology to enhance logistics efficiency across North America.
Waymo
Despite past legal battles, Uber and Waymo have found common ground. In 2025, Uber announced a multi-city ride-hail partnership, offering Waymo's autonomous vehicles through the Uber app in select markets. This pragmatic alliance underscores the industry's shift toward collaboration over competition.
Other Key Partners
- Motional: Uber partnered with Motional for autonomous deliveries in Santa Monica, California, starting in 2023. The service expanded to other markets in 2025.
- WeRide: In 2024, Uber launched a partnership with Chinese AV company WeRide to offer autonomous ride-hailing in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant step into the Middle East.
- Nuro: Uber collaborates with Nuro for autonomous delivery services, integrating Nuro's low-speed vehicles into Uber Eats in select U.S. cities.
2026 Outlook: A Global AV Ecosystem
As of 2026, Uber's AV strategy is characterized by:
- Global reach: Partnerships span North America, the Middle East, and Asia.
- Diverse applications: From ride-hailing to freight and delivery.
- Strategic investments: Uber has made direct investments in several AV startups, including Aurora and WeRide, aligning its interests with emerging leaders.
Uber's approach reflects a pragmatic realization: rather than reinventing the wheel, it integrates best-in-class AV technology into its massive platform. This strategy reduces risk while positioning Uber to capitalize on the inevitable rise of autonomous mobility.
TechCrunch will continue to monitor Uber's AV moves and update this list accordingly.
via TechCrunch