WeRide, Uber Launch Spain’s First Commercial Robotaxi Pilot in Madrid

Takeaways by AI

WeRide and Uber will launch Madrid’s first commercial Robotaxi pilot in 2026, integrating rides via the Uber app.
Initial fleets will run with onboard safety operators, with plans to scale to hundreds and eventually fully driverless service.
The partnership leverages Uber’s global demand and WeRide’s AV tech to accelerate international rollout and reduce market risk.

On June 2, WeRide and Uber announced plans to launch Spain’s first commercial Robotaxi pilot service in Madrid.

A black autonomous vehicle advertising Uber services, parked on a city street with historic buildings and trees in the background. — WeRide Robotaxi Arrives in Madrid

The project marks the partners’ first entry into the European market. Madrid will become the 12th city in WeRide’s global Robotaxi network.

Commercial operations are set to begin in 2026. Users in Madrid will be able to hail WeRide’s autonomous vehicles directly through the Uber app.

The initial fleet will operate with onboard safety operators. Once performance targets are met, WeRide, Uber and local mobility partner AVOMO plan to deploy hundreds of Robotaxis. Fully driverless commercial services will gradually expand across Madrid’s core urban districts.

The move follows the global strategic partnership signed by WeRide and Uber in May 2025. The alliance aims to deploy Robotaxi services in 15 international cities within five years.

A fleet of black vans parked in a lot, featuring 'Available on Uber' branding. — WeRide’s Robotaxi in Abu Dhabi

Madrid becomes the fourth city under the plan. The remaining 11 cities are expected to join the network before 2030. The long-term goal is deployment of tens of thousands of Robotaxis worldwide.

The partnership also reflects WeRide’s asset-light expansion strategy.

Uber brings a global ride-hailing network spanning hundreds of millions of active users. The platform provides immediate access to passenger demand, helping reduce customer education costs and market acquisition expenses.

Uber also contributes established regulatory compliance capabilities, fleet management systems, payment infrastructure, and operational dispatch expertise. These resources help accelerate the transition from pilot testing to large-scale commercial deployment.

The collaboration allows WeRide to scale Robotaxi operations more efficiently while reducing market-entry risks.

Founded in 2017, WeRide has focused on autonomous driving technology development and Robotaxi commercialization. Its operations now span major markets including Guangzhou, Beijing, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Riyadh, and Zurich.

A black and teal modern van driving on a busy city street with trees and buildings in the background, featuring traffic lights and other vehicles. — WeRide’s Robotaxi in Guangzhou

The Madrid launch further expands the company’s international footprint, advancing its global commercialization roadmap.

WeRide’s first-quarter 2026 earnings report showed revenue of RMB 114 million ($15.7 million), up 58% year-on-year.

Gross profit reached RMB 39.6 million ($5.5 million), up 56% from a year earlier. Gross margin stood at 35%.

Commercial scale continues to expand. WeRide’s global autonomous vehicle fleet has reached approximately 2,800 vehicles, including around 1,300 Robotaxis.

China accounts for roughly 1,000 Robotaxis. Registered users in the first quarter doubled from a year earlier. Average daily orders exceeded 17 trips per vehicle, reaching as high as 28 trips in peak operations.