Uber rival inDrive eyes 2027 robotaxi tests in Central Asia with Pony AI and Nvidia
inDrive is partnering with Pony.ai and Nvidia to test robotaxis in Kazakhstan starting in 2027.Summary
Ride-hailing company inDrive, known for fare negotiation, is collaborating with Chinese autonomous driving firm Pony.ai and Nvidia to begin testing robotaxis in Kazakhstan in 2027. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding to integrate Pony.ai's Gen-7 robotaxis onto inDrive's platform, with Nvidia supplying AI technology via its Hyperion platform and Halos safety system. Testing will start in Astana in the first half of 2027 with a safety operator, aiming for fully driverless rides eventually. This move reflects growing global interest in autonomous ride-hailing. inDrive emphasizes a capital-light approach, leveraging partnerships. Nvidia notes its platform reduces development costs, crucial for emerging markets. The announcement coincides with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's first visit to Kazakhstan. Pony.ai aims to operate over 3,500 robotaxis in 20+ cities by end-2026. Kazakhstan plans autonomous taxi services in 2027, with Astana's harsh winters offering a challenging test environment. inDrive also has a separate robotaxi agreement in Saudi Arabia and operates in 47 countries.
(Source：TechCrunch)