Uber rival inDrive eyes 2027 robotaxi tests in Central Asia with Pony AI and Nvidia
News Source
β’Fri, 23 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000
π° What Happened
Ride-hailing firm inDrive plans to test robotaxis in Kazakhstan in 2027. It has signed a deal with Chinese self-driving company Pony.ai and chip maker Nvidia. The first tests will run in the capital, Astana, in the first half of the year.
Pony.ai will supply its Gen-7 robotaxis. inDrive will offer them through its app, and Nvidia will provide the AI systems, including its Hyperion platform and Halos safety tools. The first cars will carry a safety driver.
π The Backstory
inDrive is known for letting passengers and drivers haggle over the fare. That made it popular in places where Uber rides cost too much. It now wants to bring cheap rides to self-driving cars, and says its plan needs little money up front.
Robotaxis are spreading beyond the US and China. Uber recently said it would test Pony.ai cars in London and already offers supervised self-driving rides there with a British partner. Central Asia is a newer market, with fewer rivals and less experience with the technology.
π― Why It Matters
Cheap driverless rides could change how people get around in cities that rarely see new transport tech. The tests will show whether the software handles local roads and weather.
Ride-hailing firm inDrive plans to test robotaxis in Kazakhstan in 2027. It has signed a deal with Chinese self-driving company Pony.ai and chip maker Nvidia. The first tests will run in the capital, Astana, in the first half of the year.
Pony.ai will supply its Gen-7 robotaxis. inDrive will offer them through its app, and Nvidia will provide the AI systems, including its Hyperion platform and Halos safety tools. The first cars will carry a safety driver.
inDrive is known for letting passengers and drivers haggle over the fare. That made it popular in places where Uber rides cost too much. It now wants to bring cheap rides to self-driving cars, and says its plan needs little money up front.
Robotaxis are spreading beyond the US and China. Uber recently said it would test Pony.ai cars in London and already offers supervised self-driving rides there with a British partner. Central Asia is a newer market, with fewer rivals and less experience with the technology.
Cheap driverless rides could change how people get around in cities that rarely see new transport tech. The tests will show whether the software handles local roads and weather.