Waymo plans to launch a robotaxi service in London in 2026

Waymo has announced its intention to introduce a commercial robotaxi service in London, targeting a launch in 2026. This move represents the company's second expansion into international markets, following its recent efforts in Tokyo. Speculation about this development had been circulating for weeks, especially after several job postings appeared in London. The company already has established connections in the U.K. After acquiring Latent Logic in 2019, a startup specializing in realistic self-driving car simulations, Waymo created an engineering hub in Oxford. Soon, the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace vehicles, equipped with advanced self-driving technology, will begin testing on London’s streets. Initially, human safety drivers will be present in the vehicles before transitioning to fully autonomous operations, a strategy that has been successfully implemented in other markets like Phoenix and San Francisco. While Waymo has not disclosed specific timelines for the removal of human drivers or the size of its testing fleet, spokesperson Ethan Teicher confirmed plans to offer a self-driving service to the public next year. The actual launch in 2026 will hinge on the completion of the U.K. government's approval process for such operations. To facilitate this venture, Waymo is partnering with Moove, which currently oversees its autonomous vehicle operations in Phoenix. This collaboration will extend to managing the fleet in London, while Waymo will continue to handle technology oversight and support for riders. Additionally, Waymo has expanded its operations in recent years, moving beyond Phoenix to cities such as Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, with future plans for Miami, Nashville, and Washington D.C.