Uber and Momenta to Test Autonomous Robotaxis in Munich Starting 2026
Key Points
- Uber and Momenta will begin robotaxi testing in Munich in 2026.
- Initial runs will include human safety operators on board.
- Momenta must secure German regulatory approval for safety standards and geo‑fenced zones.
- The partnership targets Level 4 autonomous operation under specific conditions.
- Uber positions the venture against competing AV projects from Lyft and other firms.
- Momenta’s technology is already used in hundreds of thousands of consumer vehicles.
- Uber’s CEO highlighted Munich’s automotive heritage as a strategic launchpad.
Ride‑hailing giant Uber and Chinese autonomous‑vehicle startup Momenta announced plans to launch robotaxi testing in Munich, Germany, beginning in 2026. The partnership will initially involve human safety operators on board while the vehicles operate in geo‑fenced zones, marking Momenta’s first‑ever deployment in Europe. Uber aims to expand the service to other markets, positioning the collaboration against competing AV initiatives from other ride‑hailing firms. Both companies will need to satisfy German regulators before commercial rollout.
Partnership Overview
Uber and Momenta disclosed a joint effort to bring autonomous robotaxis to Munich, Germany, with testing slated to begin in 2026. Momenta, founded in 2016, is a leading Chinese autonomous‑vehicle company that has been testing self‑driving cars in China since 2018. Uber highlighted Momenta as one of 20 global AV partners supporting its ride‑hailing, delivery, and freight businesses.
Launch Plans
The initial deployment will feature human safety operators inside the vehicles to monitor performance and take control if needed. Uber selected Munich for its engineering heritage and strong automotive ecosystem. The companies intend to expand testing beyond Munich to additional markets after the initial phase.
Regulatory and Technology
Momenta must demonstrate to German regulators that its vehicles meet safety standards and obtain approval for designated geo‑fenced operating zones. The partnership focuses on Level 4 autonomy, with vehicles capable of operating without human intervention under certain conditions. Momenta’s advanced driver‑assistance systems are already installed on hundreds of thousands of vehicles sold to customers.
Competitive Landscape
Uber’s move places it in direct competition with other ride‑hailing firms expanding autonomous services in Europe. For example, Lyft announced a deal with Baidu to deploy robotaxis across Europe, beginning with Germany and the United Kingdom. Uber already offers Waymo’s robotaxis on its app in several U.S. cities and collaborates with other Chinese AV startups, such as WeRide and Pony.ai, to operate robotaxis in the Middle East.
Future Outlook
Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said, "Germany has shaped the global automotive industry for more than a century, and now Munich will help shape the future with autonomous vehicles." The partnership aims to generate an annualized rate of 1.5 million mobility and delivery trips across Uber’s platform. Momenta’s Munich launch could be its first robotaxi service in Europe, building on its existing service in Shanghai, which plans a commercial rollout with onboard safety operators by the end of the year.