Uber and Lyft have announced a partnership with Chinese technology group Baidu to begin robotaxi trials in the United Kingdom, signalling a significant advance in the country’s push toward autonomous transport.

The initiative will see Baidu’s Apollo Go self-driving technology deployed in pilot ride-hailing services operated through Uber and Lyft platforms, subject to regulatory approval and phased safety testing.

UK transport authorities have confirmed that the trials will take place under existing autonomous vehicle frameworks, with safety drivers present during initial stages before any move toward fully driverless operations.

Baidu’s Apollo Go system has already completed millions of autonomous rides in China, and the companies say the UK trials will adapt the technology to British road conditions, traffic patterns, and regulatory standards.

Executives from Uber and Lyft described the collaboration as a milestone in making autonomous mobility commercially viable while maintaining strict safety oversight.

The British government has welcomed the trials as part of its broader strategy to position the UK as a global hub for self-driving innovation, citing potential benefits including reduced congestion, improved road safety, and long-term productivity gains.

The partnership comes as the UK prepares updated legislation designed to support the deployment of autonomous vehicles later this decade.

If successful, the trials could pave the way for expanded robotaxi services in major UK cities, placing Britain among the leading markets testing large-scale autonomous ride-hailing.