Global Autos Driver: Humanoids & Robotaxi Rides Weekly

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Europe Equity Research

16 August 2026

Global Autos Driver

Humanoids & Robotaxi Rides Weekly

Please find below the latest developments in autonomous

driving across the world:

Uber Japan signed an operational partnership with Tokyo taxi operator

Hinomaru Kotsu to manage day-to-day fleet operations for an autonomous

vehicle pilot planned for late 2026. Hinomaru Kotsu will handle depot

operations, vehicle cleaning, maintenance, inspections, charging, and vehicle

uptime, while Uber will offer rides through its app. The agreement supports the

March 12, 2026 memorandum of understanding between Uber, Wayve and

Nissan to deploy Nissan LEAF vehicles equipped with Wayve’s AI Driver

technology.

Einride and DAF Trucks will integrate Einride’s autonomous driving

system, Einride Driver, into DAF’s electric truck platform, with initial

interface testing planned for 2026 and software integration and commissioning

scheduled for 2027. The collaboration will use DAF’s XD and XF Electric

models and will include support from Dutch applied research institute TNO to

define and test the integration. The companies said the initiative is a step toward

large-scale commercialisation of SAE Level 4 autonomous electric freight,

addressing driver shortages and rising operating costs.

Pony.ai plans to deploy more than 2,000 robotaxis across Europe with

Uber, expanding their existing partnership in Zagreb to four additional cities.

The company also said the rollout will extend to the Middle East, with further

details to be announced later.

Please find below the latest developments in Humanoids

across the world:

Schaeffler is expanding its humanoid robotics product portfolio and

bringing formed strain wave gearboxes to market. Strain wave gearboxes

are key actuator components that can account for roughly half of a humanoid

robot’s manufacturing cost. The gearboxes enable precise motion transmission

with high torque capacity by delivering high gear reduction in a compact form

factor.

LG Group and NVIDIA have formalised a strategic partnership to

develop a next-generation bipedal humanoid robot, targeting a public

unveiling in Q1 2027.…