uber driver NEW SIZE ©Adobe Stock ImagesUber Technologies (NYSE:UBER), Nuro and Lucid Group (NASDAQ:LCID) have unveiled plans to introduce a robotaxi service in Houston by mid-2027, expanding their autonomous mobility partnership beyond the San Francisco Bay Area, where operations are scheduled to begin later this year.The announcement represents the second planned deployment under the companies' joint autonomous vehicle initiative as they pursue broader expansion across multiple markets.Service to Operate Through Uber PlatformThe robotaxi network will be available exclusively through Uber's platform and will utilize Lucid Gravity electric vehicles integrated with Nuro's Level 4 autonomous driving technology.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe partners said they intend to scale the programme significantly over time, targeting deployment across dozens of markets worldwide and aiming for a fleet of at least 35,000 autonomous vehicles globally.Testing Efforts Continue in Texas and CaliforniaNuro is currently conducting around-the-clock autonomous vehicle testing with safety operators in both Houston and the San Francisco Bay Area.Its engineering fleet now includes nearly 100 test vehicles operating across California and Texas as the company continues to refine and validate its self-driving technology.Meanwhile, Lucid has begun producing the first validation units of its robotaxi vehicles at its manufacturing facility in Arizona, where they will initially be used for safety and performance testing.Houston Infrastructure Already Taking ShapeTo support the future launch, Uber has secured a 50,000-square-foot depot facility in Houston, along with a dedicated charging site.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe infrastructure will be used for fleet charging, maintenance, repairs and vehicle cleaning, providing the operational foundation needed to support large-scale autonomous transportation services.Partnership Advances Long-Term Autonomous StrategyThe collaboration between Uber, Nuro and Lucid was originally announced in July 2025 and forms part of Uber's broader effort to expand autonomous mobility offerings.Nuro brings substantial local experience to the initiative, having maintained operations in Houston since 2019 and previously conducted Level 4 autonomous driving activities on public roads throughout the city.Expansion Plans Extend Beyond Initial MarketsThe companies view Houston as a key milestone in their long-term strategy to bring autonomous transportation to a broader customer base.AdvertisementAdvertisement"Houston marks an important next step in our partnership with Lucid and Nuro as we expand autonomous mobility to more riders throughout the world," said Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility & Delivery at Uber.With launches planned in both California and Texas, the partnership is positioning itself for a wider rollout as autonomous vehicle adoption continues to advance.Uber Technologies stock priceLucid Group stock price
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