August 6, 2026

Are Robot Taxis Coming to London?

By Rob Harvey

A company called Wayve, based in the UK, has created computer technology that helps cars understand the road around them, meaning they can drive themselves. Recently, Transport for London (TfL) gave special licences to a group of these cars to be used as taxis.

A Human Is Still in Charge

Even though these cars can steer, brake, and spot other vehicles using cameras, radar, and computers, there will still be a human driver sitting behind the wheel. The driver must be ready to take over at any moment and is responsible for keeping everyone safe. Before these taxis can drive without a human in the car, they will need another special approval from safety experts.

How Do Robot Taxis “See”?

Instead of using eyes as we do, these cars use lots of technology.

They have:

Cameras on the roof and mirrors to watch what’s happening all around them.
Radar sensors that can detect other cars, people, and objects, even in bad weather.
A smart computer powered by artificial intelligence (AI), which helps the car decide what to do next.

When Can People Ride In One?

Uber says that some people who signed up to try these robot taxis could get a ride later this summer. More public journeys are expected after that if everything goes well. The taxis are actually electric Ford Mustang Mach-E cars that have been specially modified with all the extra technology.

Why Is This Important?

Supporters believe self-driving cars could make roads:

Safer by reducing human mistakes.
Cleaner because these vehicles are electric.
Quieter, with less engine noise.

However, not everyone is excited. Some human taxi drivers are worried that self-driving technology could mean fewer driving jobs in the future.

A British Invention

Wayve was started in 2017 by two students studying for their PhDs at the University of Cambridge. If everything goes to plan, London will become the first city in the world where Wayve’s technology is used for commercial taxi journeys. The company is also working with car makers to bring its self-driving technology to ordinary cars in the future.