Uber launched autonomous rides in London on Thursday using AI technology developed by Britain's Wayve, making the ​city the second in Europe after Zagreb, where the ‌company offers robotaxis.

Here are more details:

Alex Kendall, CEO and co-founder of Wayve, said: "We're proud to introduce the Wayve AI Driver to ⁠the ​public for the first time right ​here in London, our home city and one of the most complex driving ​environments in the world."

Initially, a licensed operator will be on board to monitor the car before fully driverless operations begin at ​some point in the future, the companies said.

Riders who request an UberX, Uber Comfort, or Uber Electric could be matched with a Wayve-powered Ford Mustang Mach-E at no additional cost.

Fewer than 20 cars will be available at ​launch.

Regulatory barriers remain before full driverless services can launch in London, including delays at authorisation body Transport for London.

Uber's Global Head of Autonomous Mobility ​Sarfraz Maredia said the launch would "build credibility with consumers ​as well as with the government".

British Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "This is ‌a ⁠major milestone for the future of transport in London, as British innovation brings this technology onto our roads and gives passengers more choice."

Wayve's AI Driver learns from experience like a human ​driver, enabling ​it to adapt ⁠to new roads, vehicles, weather conditions and cities, the companies said.

Uber partnered with Wayve in ​2024, including an investment, with the aim of ​using ⁠future Wayve-powered vehicles in multiple markets.