Uber has started a self-driving ride-hail trial in the US city of Pittsburgh where it has a research centre.

The company says the pilot scheme is a big step forward and that "creating a viable alternative to individual car ownership is important to the future of cities".

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

The self-driving Ubers in the test will have a safety driver in the front seat "because they require human intervention in many conditions, including bad weather". Uber also said that even when these technology issues get fixed, "we believe ridesharing will be a mix—with services provided by both drivers and Self-Driving Ubers". It said it believes there will be limits to self-driving software and the skyrocketing demand for better transportation which "people-powered transport is uniquely able to solve".

That may go part-way to reassuring Uber's fleet of owner-drivers that they are not going to be replaced by autonomous vehicles.

The company also said that "technology also creates new work opportunities while disrupting existing ones" and cited the example of ATMs cutting the cost of running a local bank "so more branches opened, employing more people". Uber also noted that Self-Driving Ubers will be on the road 24 hours a day, "which means they will need a lot more human maintenance than cars today".

Uber claims that its research centre in Pittsburgh – the Advanced Technologies Centre (ATC) – and its recent Otto acquisition mean it has "one of the strongest self-driving engineering groups in the world, as well as the experience that comes from running a ridesharing and delivery network in hundreds of cities".

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

It added that its existing partnerships with drivers, as well as new ones with manufacturers like Volvo, will "ensure a world-class customer experience for generations to come".

The ATC in Pittsburgh was set up with a mission to "make self-driving Ubers a reality".

Just Auto Excellence Awards - Have you nominated?

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Auto Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!

Nominate Now