Uber rival inDrive eyes 2027 robotaxi tests in Central Asia with Pony.ai and Nvidia
Ride-hailing firm inDrive has partnered with Pony.ai and Nvidia to launch robotaxi testing in Astana, Kazakhstan, by 2027. The initiative aims to utilize Pony.ai's autonomous vehicles and Nvidia's AI infrastructure to expand self-driving services into Central Asia.
Why it matters
This marks a significant expansion of autonomous vehicle testing beyond traditional US and Chinese markets, highlighting the global push for robotaxi integration.
Ride-hailing company inDrive , known for letting passengers and drivers negotiate fares, is working with Chinese autonomous driving firm Pony.ai and Nvidia to begin testing robotaxis in Kazakhstan in 2027.
The companies said Friday that they had signed a memorandum of understanding to explore bringing Pony.ai’s robotaxis to inDrive’s platform — a reflection of the growing interest in self-driving technology beyond the U.S. and China.
Testing will begin in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, in the first half of 2027, inDrive CTO Yuri Misnik told TechCrunch. The tests will initially involve a safety operator, with fully driverless rides as the eventual goal.
Under the proposed plan, Pony.ai would provide its Gen-7 robotaxis, which inDrive would offer through its ride-hailing app and operate in Kazakhstan. Nvidia, on the other hand, would supply the AI technology, including its Hyperion platform and Halos safety system.
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