Uber, in a significant collaboration with Lucid Motors and Nuro, has officially unveiled the production-intent version of its new robotaxi at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). This highly anticipated autonomous vehicle, built on the spacious Lucid Gravity SUV, is poised to enter the growing robotaxi market with commercial service launching in the San Francisco Bay Area later this year.
The reveal marks a significant milestone in a partnership that saw Uber invest $300 million into Lucid Motors, alongside a commitment to purchase 20,000 of the company's electric vehicles. The robotaxi has already commenced testing on public roads, paving the way for its planned commercial debut.
Advanced Technology Powers Autonomous Rides
At its core, the robotaxi leverages the robust platform of a Lucid Gravity SUV. It integrates an array of high-resolution cameras, solid-state lidar sensors, and radars directly into its body and a distinctive roof-mounted "halo" system. This advanced autonomy package is powered by Nvidia's Drive AGX Thor computer. The "halo" also features integrated LED lights, designed to help riders easily identify their vehicle, a functionality reminiscent of Waymo's Jaguar I-Pace SUVs.
A crucial aspect of this collaboration is the integration of all autonomous technology during the Gravity's initial build at Lucid Motors' Casa Grande, Arizona factory. This streamlined approach is expected to save significant time and money for the companies. In contrast, competitors like Waymo currently retrofit their Jaguar I-Pace SUVs, a process that involves disassembling and reassembling vehicles to integrate autonomous tech. Future Waymo vehicles are, however, planned to be more purpose-built.
Intuitive User Experience
The user interface for the Uber-Lucid-Nuro robotaxi, a new element showcased at CES, promises a familiar and intuitive experience for riders. A small screen on the exterior "halo" will greet passengers, while an in-cabin ride interface, developed by Uber, provides comprehensive information. Similar to Waymo's UI, the rear passenger screen displays an isometric graphical view of the robotaxi navigating city streets, complete with representations of nearby cars and pedestrians.
Riders will have access to standard information such as estimated drop-off times, remaining ride duration, and controls for climate and music. The interface also includes direct buttons for rider support and to instruct the robotaxi to pull over. While an interactive version of the software was not yet available for testing at CES, its design focuses on clarity and user control.
Premium Positioning and Production Outlook
Uber's decision to base its forthcoming "premium" robotaxi service around the Gravity appears strategic. The vehicle boasts an immensely spacious interior, particularly in the two-row configuration displayed at CES (a three-row version is also planned). This ample cabin space positions the robotaxi as a comfortable and upscale option in the burgeoning autonomous ride-hailing market.
While the Gravity's first full year saw Lucid grapple with software issues during its SUV production ramp-up – leading to an apology from interim CEO Marc Winterhoff to owners in December 2024 – the company has since demonstrated a strong recovery. Lucid announced a doubling of its 2024 production figures and new sales records on the day of the robotaxi unveiling. The industry awaits to see if the robotaxi version will encounter similar software challenges.
Uber, Lucid, and Nuro confirmed that true production versions will begin rolling off Lucid's Arizona factory lines later this year, once final validation of the robotaxi is complete, though a concrete timeline for this was not provided.
