#United States #California #Uber #NURO #Robotaxi

Concerns Arise Over Uber's Robotaxi Partner Nuro

Recent analysis by Consumer Watchdog has shed light on troubling figures from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regarding Nuro, Uber's robotaxi partner. Despite ambitious plans to deploy 20,000 robotaxis by 2026, recent data indicates that Nuro has driven less than 160,000 miles in 2025, which pales in comparison to its competitors. In contrast, Waymo and Zoox, the industry leaders, have logged millions of miles, showcasing their advanced testing capabilities.

Disengagement Data Raises Safety Concerns

Perhaps most concerning is the fact that Nuro’s vehicles could not travel more than 700 miles without human intervention. This is a stark contrast to Waymo’s impressive near-20,000 miles and Zoox's 60,000 miles before requiring human control. Such performance metrics raise alarms about the safety and reliability of Nuro's technology when positioned alongside its more seasoned rivals.

During the year, Nuro reported a staggering 244 disengagements—instances where a human had to take over the vehicle due to technical issues—up from just 103 in the previous year. This surge in disengagements, coupled with a drop in miles driven, suggests that Nuro's robotaxis are struggling with reliability and robustness. The average distance Nuro managed before a disengagement fell drastically to 646 miles in 2025 from 2,044 miles in 2024. This shift is indicative of significant challenges that the company may face ahead of its planned rollout.

Liability Concerns and Regulatory Implications

Alongside these disconcerting statistics, it was recently revealed that Uber is seeking to implement a ballot measure aimed at limiting its liability should accidents involving its driverless vehicles occur. This proposal aspires to circumvent the rights of injured victims, particularly those relying on contingency-fee attorneys. Such a move has drawn sharp criticism from consumer advocates who fear that it could enable Uber to deploy unproven and potentially dangerous technology on public roads.

Justin Kloczko, the Director of the Privacy and Technology program at Consumer Watchdog, voiced his concerns: "Under the new limited liability rules, Uber might get away with deploying such unproven technology. Californians shouldn't be guinea pigs for Uber's reckless experiment." This scrutiny highlights the significant ethical and regulatory considerations that need to be addressed as autonomous technology progresses.

Comparisons with More Established Rivals

Comparative analysis also reflects poorly on Nuro. Its total miles are significantly lower than its competitors, with Waymo reporting over 3.3 million miles and Zoox at approximately 1.2 million miles during the same timeframe. The lower testing mileage coupled with an increased disengagement rate questions Nuro's readiness for the competitive autonomous vehicle landscape.

Waymo and Zoox reported improved disengagement rates in 2025, a testament to their advancements in technology, while Nuro's statistics indicate a backward trend. As California regulators work on new legislation for autonomous vehicles, the standard for safety and testing will be pivotal in determining which companies can effectively navigate this evolving industry.

Conclusion: Future Implications for Nuro and Uber

The deficiencies pointed out in Nuro's performance not only threaten its collaboration with Uber but could also set back public trust in the broader initiative towards autonomous vehicles. The implications of Nuro's testing reports are critical as they represent a broader discourse on the evolving technology, regulatory requirements, and ethical obligations of those at the forefront of autonomous transportation. These factors will shape the landscape for future developments in the industry, underscoring the need for thorough testing and accountability before broader deployment occurs.

The road ahead for Nuro and Uber remains fraught with challenges, and addressing these underlying issues will be crucial if they hope to succeed in revolutionizing the transportation sector with their robotaxi fleet.