Uber rival inDrive eyes 2027 robotaxi tests in Central Asia with Pony.ai and Nvidia

Ride-hailing company inDrive is set to begin testing robotaxis in Kazakhstan in 2027, collaborating with Chinese autonomous driving firm Pony.ai and Nvidia. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday to explore bringing Pony.ai’s robotaxis to inDrive’s platform. Testing will begin in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, in the first half of 2027, starting with a safety operator before moving towards fully driverless rides.

Nvidia will supply the AI technology, including its Hyperion platform and Halos safety system. This move comes as ride-hailing companies expand their push into robotaxis, with Uber also testing Pony.ai’s robotaxis in London. inDrive is focusing on a capital-light approach, working with partners to deliver a better customer experience in markets where ride-hailing is already affordable and autonomous services need to compete on cost.

Nvidia's Hyperion platform could lower the cost of developing robotaxis, offering a ready-made foundation of sensors and computing technology. InDrive's venture into robotaxis in Kazakhstan would add to Pony.ai's ongoing expansion beyond China, with the company aiming to have over 3,500 robotaxis in more than 20 cities worldwide by the end of 2026.

Kazakhstan's harsh winters make it an ideal testing ground for robotaxis, providing valuable insights for expanding autonomous mobility in challenging conditions.