Uber and Nuro have initiated a premium robotaxi test in San Francisco using the Lucid Gravity SUV. This development allows select Uber employees to request rides through the Uber app. The Lucid SUV is equipped with a self-driving system developed by Nuro.
Overview of the Robotaxi Testing Phase
The testing phase marks a significant milestone in the companies’ collaboration, which began with a multimillion-dollar investment announced in July 2025. Currently, the autonomous vehicles operate in self-driving mode, with a human safety operator present as a precaution.
Investment Details
- Uber invested $300 million in Lucid.
- Uber plans to acquire at least 20,000 Lucid Gravity SUVs over the next six years.
- Nuro received a multi-hundred-million dollar investment from Uber.
Vehicle Specifications
The Lucid Gravity robotaxi, introduced in January, is designed to enhance the self-driving experience. Key features include:
- High-resolution cameras
- Solid-state lidar sensors
- Advanced radars
These technologies enable the vehicle to perceive and navigate real-world environments effectively.
Testing Process and Future Plans
Nuro has conducted extensive testing, completing closed-course trials and beginning public road testing late last year. Currently, the engineering fleet includes 100 Lucid Gravity SUVs, which are utilized for real-world data collection across various U.S. cities.
According to Nuro, testing with Uber employees is crucial for understanding the integration of the autonomous systems and improving rider experience. It provides insights into handling pickups and drop-offs—challenging aspects of autonomous ride-hailing.
Production Timeline
Production of the modified Lucid Gravity vehicles is anticipated to commence in late 2026, paving the way for a potential public launch of the premium robotaxi service.
