Uber customers in the U.K. can now join an interest list to increase their chances of being matched with a Wayve autonomous vehicle. This move is a sign that Uber and Wayve are preparing to launch a robotaxi service in London, where they will compete directly with Waymo.
The service will feature Wayve's self-driving system and Uber-designed interactive touchscreens that support 64 languages. Riders will be able to decline an autonomous vehicle and opt for a human driver if needed.
The launch is pending regulatory approval, and the U.K. government is currently creating autonomous vehicle regulations. Waymo is also testing its autonomous vehicles in London, with about 100 vehicles being tested in a 100-square-mile area.
