Uber Partners with Zoox on Autonomous Taxi Service as Indonesian Ride-Hailing Exit Signals Sector Shift

Uber is accelerating its autonomous vehicle strategy through a multi-year partnership with robotaxi manufacturer Zoox. The collaboration will bring Zoox’s self-driving vehicles to the Uber platform, making autonomous rides available to Uber users for eligible trips, whilst Zoox customers can continue accessing the service through Zoox’s own application.

The partnership marks a significant development in autonomous transportation, with service launches scheduled for Las Vegas in mid-2026, followed by Los Angeles operations commencing in mid-2027. This move represents a strategic shift for Uber, the former dominant ride-hailing service that previously operated in Indonesia before exiting the market.

Zoox, founded in 2014 and acquired by Amazon in 2020 for US$1.3 billion (approximately 21.9 trillion Indonesian rupiah), distinguishes itself through innovative vehicle design. Unlike traditional automobiles, Zoox vehicles feature a distinctive box-like shape with no steering wheel or pedals, being purpose-built for passenger comfort and autonomous operation.

Whilst Zoox operates at a smaller scale than Alphabet’s Waymo, the company is pursuing measured expansion of its autonomous services. Zoox has already launched limited service in Las Vegas and conducted passenger testing programmes in San Francisco during late 2025, positioning itself as a growing competitor in the autonomous ride-hailing sector.