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Published on
September 8, 2025
5 min read
Uber and Momenta to Launch Fully Driverless Level 4 Robotaxi Trials in Germany in 2026
According to TechCrunch, Uber has partnered with Chinese autonomous vehicle startup Momenta to launch fully driverless Level 4 robotaxis trials in Germany, marking a significant milestone for European autonomous mobility. The programme will commence in Munich in 2026, representing the first public deployment of fully autonomous vehicles by both companies in continental Europe.
Munich Selected as Strategic Testing Ground
Munich was chosen as the pilot city due to its strong automotive engineering expertise and mature infrastructure. The city provides an ideal environment for evaluating advanced mobility solutions within dense urban conditions. The Uber Momenta autonomous testing Germany initiative will begin with human safety operators onboard before transitioning to fully autonomous operations within designated zones.
The testing programme includes several key operational parameters such as selected zones within Munich as the test area, an early 2026 start date, initial configuration with human safety operators for monitoring, and a gradual transition to full autonomy in robotaxi operations. Industry observers note this structured approach prioritises safety whilst building operational confidence in autonomous systems.
“Germany has shaped the global automotive industry for more than a century, and now Munich will help shape the future with autonomous vehicles,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, in a statement.
Strategic Market Positioning Against Growing Competition
The Momenta Uber partnership represents a calculated move to establish presence in Europe’s expanding autonomous mobility sector. Founded in 2016, Momenta has pioneered autonomous vehicle research in China, conducting active trials since 2018 with sophisticated perception and decision-making algorithms.
This collaboration allows Momenta to extend its technological reach into Europe whilst Uber leverages advanced self-driving software to enhance service offerings. The partnership faces intensifying competition, particularly after Lyft announced a similar venture with Chinese technology giant Baidu for robotaxi operations across Germany and the United Kingdom in August 2025. Earlier this year, Baidu upgraded the ERNIE AI model.
The autonomous robotaxi Germany pilot encompasses several technological and operational elements:
- Momenta’s advanced perception and decision-making software
- Uber’s established ride-hailing infrastructure
- Competition from Lyft-Baidu, Waymo, and AutoX partnerships
A company representative told TechCrunch that the objective centres on providing scalable autonomous ride services for European cities to improve mobility access and reduce urban congestion. Uber’s vision for autonomous transportation has brought it to robotaxis from ridesharing.
Industry Implications for B2B Decision-Makers
The programme carries substantial implications for B2B decision-makers and business owners as one of the first large-scale efforts to validate Level 4 autonomy’s commercial feasibility in regulated European markets. Success could establish precedents for other autonomous service providers whilst creating testbeds for regulatory frameworks governing autonomous vehicle deployment.
Expected benefits for the B2B sector include potential reductions in fleet management costs and new business models for urban mobility services. Additionally, logistics companies can gain opportunities to incorporate autonomous vehicles, along with data-driven insights on integrating these vehicles within European city environments. German regulatory bodies are expected to monitor trials closely, with safety benchmarks and compliance measures forming central evaluation criteria.
Way Forward
The Uber tests Level 4 robotaxis in Germany programme represents a pivotal development for European autonomous vehicle adoption. By demonstrating real-world operational capabilities, the initiative provides a crucial reference point for businesses evaluating automated mobility solutions and could influence broader adoption by governments and private enterprises seeking autonomous integration.
