Uber rival inDrive eyes 2027 robotaxi tests in Central Asia with Pony.ai and Nvidia
Astana’s first tests would carry a safety operator; fully driverless rides remain the eventual goal.
Testing is planned for the first half of 2027 under a memorandum of understanding, rather than a finalized deployment deal. Pony.ai would supply Gen-7 robotaxis, with inDrive operating them in Kazakhstan and offering rides through its app. Nvidia would provide AI technology, including its Hyperion platform and Halos safety system. Astana’s months of snow and ice would test the vehicles in challenging winter conditions.
TechCrunch AI's note
Testing is planned for the first half of 2027 under a memorandum of understanding, rather than a finalized deployment deal. Pony.ai would supply Gen-7 robotaxis, with inDrive operating them in Kazakhstan and offering rides through its app. Nvidia would provide AI technology, including its Hyperion platform and Halos safety system. Astana’s months of snow and ice would test the vehicles in challenging winter conditions.
TechCrunch AI's note
score 5