UBER RETURNS TO SELF-DRIVING WITH DATA-GATHERING PROJECT

The project launches with a single Hyundai Ioniq 5 equipped with standard autonomous vehicle sensors including cameras, lidar, and radar. Uber stated it is not locked into this particular model. Unlike Uber's previous self-driving efforts, which aimed to operate robotaxis directly, the AV Lab takes a different approach. The vehicles will function as mobile data collection platforms, gathering information that benefits Uber's dozens of robotaxi partners—companies that license Uber's technology or operate on its platform. This shift reflects Uber's pivot away from owning and operating its own autonomous fleet. In 2020, Uber sold its self-driving division, Advanced Technologies Group, to Aurora Innovation. The new lab positions Uber as a data and technology provider rather than a robotaxi operator. The single-vehicle deployment represents an early stage for the project, with potential for expansion as Uber continues developing autonomous driving capabilities for its partner network.