Uber (UBER) Stock: Slips Slightly After Partnering With Baidu for UK Robotaxi Trials

Uber’s stock saw a slight dip after revealing plans for a robotaxi pilot in London by early 2026. The project, backed by Baidu’s Apollo Go RT6 vehicles, places the company in direct competition with Waymo, which is also testing autonomous taxis in the city. Both firms aim to launch commercial services in the UK within two years, despite regulatory hurdles under the new Automated Vehicles Act.

The UK’s Automated Vehicles Act 2024 sets strict rules for self-driving cars. Companies must secure authorisation, operator licences, and meet corporate fitness standards before deployment. The law also mandates data-sharing and tough cybersecurity measures to protect autonomous vehicle systems.

Uber’s announcement of a Baidu-backed robotaxi trial in London came with a minor drop in its share price. Investors reacted to concerns over regulatory delays and potential distractions from the company’s financial goals. Despite this, Uber remains committed to expanding driverless services to over 10 global markets by late 2025, viewing autonomy as a key driver for long-term profitability. Waymo, meanwhile, is already testing its technology in London, with plans for at least one commercial launch by 2026. The UK is fast becoming a testbed for robotaxis, pushing demand for supporting digital infrastructure. However, the lack of local cybersecurity and data residency specialists could pose challenges for companies like Uber, Baidu, and Waymo as they navigate compliance.

The UK’s regulatory framework may slow down the rollout of autonomous taxis, affecting both timelines and costs. Uber and Waymo’s London pilots could still open doors for local tech vendors specialising in data security and residency solutions. For now, the market watches closely as companies balance innovation with compliance under the new law.