Nuro approved to test its driverless Uber robotaxis on California roads

Source: Engadget

Updated California Permit

Uber‑backed Nuro has received an updated permit to test its Lucid Gravity robotaxis on California streets, according to recent DMV documents. The permit allows fully‑autonomous testing later this year, a spokesperson told TechCrunch.

Vehicle Design and Sensors

Nuro, backed by NVIDIA, Toyota and Uber, unveiled its robotaxi design at CES 2026. The vehicle is based on the three‑row Lucid Gravity electric crossover and features:

• High‑resolution cameras
• Lidar sensors
• Radar
• Roof‑mounted LED display

The interior will include rider‑controlled heated seats.

Testing Scope

• Current status: The Lucid Gravity EVs have only been operated in autonomous mode with a human safety driver, limited to Uber employees.
• New permit: Allows testing without a human operator at speeds up to 45 mph, day or night, in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.
• International testing: Nuro has also been testing its Lucid robotaxis in Tokyo with human drivers as a backup (Engadget article).

Funding, Orders, and Future Plans

Lucid’s earnings release announced that the robotaxi service is slated to launch “later this year.” Uber increased its investment in Lucid to $500 million and raised its order from 20,000 to 35,000 vehicles. Before commercial service begins, Nuro and Uber will need additional ride‑hailing and DMV deployment permits.