What changed
Ride-hailing company inDrive, known for its fare negotiation model, has announced plans to begin testing robotaxis in Kazakhstan in 2027. The initiative involves a partnership with Chinese autonomous driving firm Pony.ai and Nvidia, with testing starting in the capital, Astana, during the first half of 2027. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding to explore bringing Pony.ai’s robotaxis to inDrive’s platform.
What this means in practice
Testing will initially involve a safety operator, with fully driverless rides as the eventual goal. Pony.ai will provide its Gen-7 robotaxis, which inDrive will offer through its ride-hailing app in Kazakhstan. Nvidia will supply the AI technology, including its Hyperion platform and Halos safety system. The move reflects the growing interest in self-driving technology beyond the U.S. and China.
Limitations and availability
The tests will begin in Astana, Kazakhstan, in the first half of 2027. The move comes as ride-hailing companies expand their push into robotaxis, with Uber also testing Pony.ai’s robotaxis in London. The announcement coincides with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s first visit to Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan has introduced rules for autonomous vehicles to be tested on certain public roads, and Astana’s harsh winters could provide a useful testing ground for robotaxis. The company operates in more than 1,200 cities across 47 countries and has expanded beyond ride-hailing into delivery, intercity transportation, and financial services.
