'They've Had Their Fair Share of Issues': Uber Wants to Avoid Tech Backlash While Building Its Giant Robotaxi Fleet

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said Wednesday the company expects to commit over $10 billion of capital over the coming years to bring autonomous vehicles to market at scale. Khosrowshahi said in prepared remarks ahead of the company's earnings call that autonomous vehicles are live on Uber in seven cities and on track for as many as 15 by year-end. The company plans to expand operations to 28 cities around the world by the end of 2028, which would quadruple its operations in less than three years. Khosrowshahi said Uber's ambition is to become the world's leading commercialization platform for autonomous vehicles and has teamed up with more than 30 companies in the effort. Khosrowshahi said he expects autonomous vehicles to be adopted globally at a much slower and more deliberate pace than the rapid trajectory of the broader AI industry. He said that while AVs have been incredible in markets where they have been introduced, they have had their fair share of issues and that trying to go too fast can result in huge public blowback. Khosrowshahi said Uber needs smart regulation and dialogue with shareholders to enable innovation and drive AV regulation in a sustainable way. He also said Waymo is a very important partner and that Uber continues to operate with them in Austin and Atlanta while ensuring it is not dependent on one partner.