Uber taps China's Momenta to launch robotaxis in Europe by 2026

Uber is joining forces with Beijing-based autonomous driving startup Momenta to launch robotaxi services in Europe starting in early 2026, the company announced Friday. The partnership marks Uber’s first significant move to deploy autonomous vehicles (AVs) abroad with a Chinese technology provider.

The rollout will begin with safety operators on board the vehicles, underscoring a cautious but strategic approach to real-world deployment. The companies aim to blend Uber’s extensive global ridesharing infrastructure with Momenta’s self-driving technology to offer “safe and efficient” mobility solutions.

“This collaboration brings together Uber’s global ridesharing expertise and Momenta’s AI-first autonomous driving technology, paving the way for a future where more riders around the world experience the benefits of reliable and affordable autonomous mobility,” said Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi.

The missing link

Momenta CEO Xudong Cao described the tie-up as “completing the key ecosystem needed to scale autonomous driving globally.” While financial details of the agreement were not disclosed, the partnership signals a growing urgency among tech and mobility firms to secure their place in the increasingly competitive robotaxi race.

Founded in China, Momenta has emerged as a leading autonomous vehicle player with its dual-track product strategy: Mpilot, a driver-assist system geared for mass production, and MSD (Momenta Self-Driving), targeting full autonomy. The company has already logged years of operational experience across major Chinese cities and maintains partnerships with several large automotive manufacturers.

Strategic shift for Uber

The deal represents a pivot for Uber, which abandoned its own autonomous vehicle unit in 2020, selling it to Amazon-backed Aurora Technologies. That transaction included a $400 million investment by Uber into Aurora, as it shifted toward becoming a platform rather than an AV developer.

In recent years, Uber has tested robotaxi operations in the U.S. through partnerships with Motional and Waymo, though progress has been mixed. Motional paused deployments with Uber and Lyft last year, leaving Uber seeking new international footholds.

Looking ahead

The collaboration with Momenta reflects Uber’s intensifying efforts to maintain relevance as the ride-hailing landscape transforms. With autonomous vehicles edging closer to commercial viability, the stakes are high. The partnership also illustrates a rare example of U.S.-China tech cooperation at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions.

Uber and Momenta plan to scale operations beyond the initial European launch, though neither company has named specific cities or countries. The move could also open the door to broader AV adoption across Uber’s sprawling network, which operates in over 70 countries.