Loading ...Uber is actively replacing workers with robots, although the transition will be gradual and is already underway. The company is implementing automation through partnerships for both robotaxi and delivery services, with a long-term goal of increasing profitability by reducing reliance on human drivers.
How Uber is replacing workers with robots
Autonomous ride-hailing (robotaxis)
- Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has stated that autonomous vehicles (AVs) could largely replace human drivers within the next 15 years.
- The company is not developing its own AV technology anymore, but is partnering with leaders in the field. These include Waymo, Cruise, and Avride, which own and operate the vehicles.
- These robotaxis are already operating in select U.S. cities, such as Atlanta and Austin, through the Uber app.
- The rollout is currently limited to specific zones and times. For example, in Atlanta, the robotaxis initially only operated on surface streets.
- Replacing drivers with AVs is expected to significantly cut Uber’s costs, as driver wages are the largest expense for each trip.
Autonomous food delivery (delivery robots)
- Uber Eats has partnered with Serve Robotics to deploy sidewalk delivery robots for shorter trips in cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and Atlanta.
- The robots are designed to handle easy, short-distance deliveries, which frees up human couriers for longer, more profitable trips.
- The company is also working with Avride for delivery robot services in Jersey City, Austin, and Dallas.
- Robot deliveries are already being integrated into the Uber Eats app, where customers in participating cities can sometimes choose to have their order delivered by a robot.