Request an Uber, and a self-driving Mustang could arrive.

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      Ordering an Uber in London could lead to an unexpected experience today. Instead of a standard car and driver arriving, you might see a Ford Mustang Mach-E capable of driving itself. Uber has launched the first public robotaxi service in London in collaboration with British autonomous driving firm Wayve. This service is accessible through the existing Uber app, meaning you don't need to download anything extra or book a special ride to try it out.

      However, there is an important detail to note. While the cars will be self-driving, a trained safety operator will initially be behind the wheel, ready to intervene if needed. Fully driverless rides are planned for the future. The launch fleet features electric Mustang Mach-Es fitted with cameras, radar, and Wayve’s AI Driver technology. These systems provide the vehicle with a 360-degree awareness of its surroundings. And given London’s environment, it seems like a fitting location to test this technology.

      London's streets are quite the challenge for AI driving

      Wayve employs a different method for autonomous driving compared to systems that heavily depend on detailed mapping and set rules. Its technology utilizes AI models trained on real-world driving experiences to navigate roads. The intention is that these learned behaviors can adapt to unfamiliar situations, enabling vehicles to adjust to diverse roads, weather conditions, other vehicles, and even entirely new cities. London presents numerous unfamiliar scenarios.

      The city's narrow streets, complex one-way roads, cyclists, pedestrians, and notoriously heavy traffic make it a particularly demanding environment for self-driving cars. Nevertheless, Wayve has some background in this area. Founded in London in 2017, the company has been testing its technology on public roads since 2020. It's also unlikely that London will remain the only focus for long. Waymo is planning to launch a robotaxi service in London later this year, pending regulatory approval, while Wayve and Uber are already preparing to introduce autonomous Nissan Leafs to Tokyo by late 2026.

      You might receive one without specifically requesting it

      Experiencing Wayve’s robotaxi doesn’t require searching for a new option in the Uber app. If you request an UberX, Uber Comfort, or Uber Electric in London, you might automatically be paired with an autonomous Mustang Mach-E. Uber states there’s no extra charge, and you’ll still see the fare before agreeing to the trip. You’ll also be informed about what type of vehicle has been assigned to you. If an autonomous vehicle is sent, Uber will notify you, and you have the option to switch to a standard ride if you prefer a human driver.

      If you want to increase your chances of trying one, you can enable a setting under Account > Settings > Autonomous Vehicles that boosts your chances of getting matched with an autonomous vehicle. Once the Mach-E arrives, the Uber app can unlock the vehicle and start your ride. An interior touchscreen will display the route, while human assistance is available if something goes awry. Additionally, there’s a small perk at the end of the journey: you can rate your robotaxi, but Uber won’t ask you for a tip. For Londoners curious about self-driving vehicles, trying one has just become significantly easier—you might just need to order your usual Uber.

      Shimul is a contributor at Digital Trends, boasting over five years of experience in the tech industry.

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