Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER) announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Zoox on Wednesday to deploy the startup's purpose-built robotaxis on its global ride-hailing network.
The deal represents a milestone for Zoox, serving as its first venture with a third-party platform since being acquired by Amazon in 2020.
The partnership is scheduled to debut in Las Vegas this summer, with a subsequent rollout planned for Los Angeles by mid-2027.
Under the agreement, Uber riders in eligible areas will have the option to be matched with a Zoox vehicle for their trips.
The robotaxis will remain simultaneously accessible through Zoox’s standalone app.
Unlike the retrofitted SUVs used by competitors like Waymo, Zoox’s flagship vehicle features a "carriage-style" interior with no steering wheel or pedals, designed specifically for passenger comfort.
To support the expanding fleet, Zoox also announced on Monday that it is expanding testing to Dallas and Phoenix and launching a new "Fusion Center" command hub in Scottsdale, Arizona, to manage real-time fleet operations.
For Uber, the deal is the latest in a series of aggressive moves to dominate the autonomous mobility sector.
The company now boasts partnerships with 25 autonomous technology developers, including Waymo, Lucid, and Nuro.
Uber currently facilitates autonomous rides in cities such as Phoenix, Austin, and Dubai, with plans to expand its AV footprint to 15 global cities by the end of 2026 and a stated goal of becoming the world’s largest AV trip facilitator by 2029.