Madrid is preparing to become home to Spain’s first commercial Robotaxi service after autonomous driving company WeRide and Uber announced plans to launch a pilot program in the Spanish capital later this year.

The project marks the companies’ first joint expansion into Europe and represents another step toward large-scale deployment of autonomous mobility services across global cities.

Initially launching with trained vehicle operators onboard, the service will eventually expand toward fully driverless operations as performance targets and regulatory requirements are met.

Madrid Chosen For Spain’s First Robotaxi Rollout

The pilot will operate within the Madrid region in partnership with local authorities, with rides available directly through the Uber app.

Executives say Madrid was selected because of its dense urban environment, growing mobility demand and increasingly favorable approach toward autonomous transportation technologies.

The companies expect the Robotaxi fleet to expand progressively, eventually deploying hundreds of autonomous vehicles as the service scales.

“Launching driverless Robotaxis in Madrid, one of Europe’s fastest-growing urban environments, demonstrates our ability to operate safely in complex real-world conditions,” said Dr. Tony Han, founder and CEO of WeRide.

How The Service Will Operate

The Madrid deployment will combine WeRide’s autonomous driving technology with operational support from AVOMO, a company within Moove Cars Group that already collaborates with Uber in the United States.

The partnership follows an asset-light expansion strategy where technology providers, mobility platforms and fleet operators work together rather than owning every part of the operation directly.

Initially, trained operators will remain inside vehicles while companies gather operational data and expand service coverage.

Long-term plans include fully driverless commercial services operating across core urban areas.

Europe Becomes The Next Robotaxi Battleground

The Madrid launch represents WeRide’s fifth European market entry and highlights growing competition among autonomous vehicle companies attempting to secure early positions in Europe.

The company says its autonomous systems already operate across more than 40 cities in 12 countries while holding permits in multiple global markets.

Madrid becomes the fourth city announced under WeRide and Uber’s broader partnership agreement, which targets launches across 15 cities before 2030.

Robotaxi Expansion Accelerates Globally

The companies are building upon previous deployments across the Middle East where commercial Robotaxi services already operate.

Fully driverless services are currently active in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, while expansion into additional markets remains planned.

Uber says autonomous mobility partnerships remain central to its long-term transportation strategy.

“Madrid represents an important next step in our partnership with WeRide to bring autonomous mobility to more people around the world,” said Sarfraz Maredia, Uber’s Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery.

What This Means For Travelers And Residents

If successful, the launch could fundamentally change how residents and visitors move around one of Europe’s busiest metropolitan regions.

For travelers visiting Madrid later this year, ordering a ride may no longer simply mean choosing between UberX and Comfort.

It could also mean stepping into one of Spain’s first commercial Robotaxis.