Uber and Momenta to Pilot Driverless Robotaxis in Germany from 2026

Uber is set to launch trials of fully autonomous vehicles in Germany next year, working in partnership with Chinese self-driving technology firm Momenta.

The initiative marks one of the most significant steps yet in bringing robotaxis to European roads, where progress has so far lagged behind the United States and China.

The pilot will begin in Munich in 2026, with the companies planning to test Level 4 autonomous cars. These vehicles are designed to operate without a safety driver, but only within clearly defined areas. Uber says that at the start, trained monitors will sit behind the wheel, before the programme transitions to fully driverless operations.

If the Munich trials are successful, the service could expand into other European cities in the following years.

Momenta’s Growing Global Footprint

Headquartered in Shanghai, Momenta has already launched a robotaxi service in its home city and supplies advanced driver-assist software to automakers including Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The company is backed by major investors such as SAIC Motor, GM, Toyota, and Bosch, underlining its strong industry connections.

Earlier this year, Uber confirmed that Momenta’s vehicles would be integrated into its ride-hailing app in markets outside the US and China.

Europe Playing Catch-Up

While Europe has trailed the US and China in deploying robotaxis at scale, momentum is starting to build. Uber and Momenta’s Munich trial comes alongside announcements from other major players: Baidu and Lyft are targeting the UK and Germany for driverless launches in 2026, while Volkswagen has been running autonomous vehicle trials in Germany for several years. VW has also revealed plans to introduce its own robotaxi service with Uber in Los Angeles by 2026.

What It Means for Europe

The rollout of robotaxis in Germany represents a significant test case for how autonomous vehicles might integrate into Europe’s dense urban landscapes and heavily regulated transport networks. Success in Munich could pave the way for broader adoption across the continent, potentially transforming how cities manage mobility.

For Uber, which has long faced regulatory pushback in Europe, the partnership with Momenta could offer a route to regain ground by positioning itself at the forefront of autonomous ride-hailing.