Key facts
- Testing will begin in Astana, Kazakhstan, in the first half of 2027.
- Pony.ai will provide Gen-7 robotaxis, while Nvidia will supply AI technology.
- The initiative aims to bring affordable autonomous ride-hailing to emerging markets.
- Kazakhstan has introduced rules for autonomous vehicle testing on public roads.
Ride-hailing company inDrive is collaborating with Chinese autonomous driving firm Pony.ai and chip giant Nvidia to commence robotaxi testing in Kazakhstan in 2027. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding to explore integrating Pony.ai's robotaxis onto inDrive's platform, signaling a growing global interest in self-driving technology. Initial testing will take place in Astana, Kazakhstan's capital, during the first half of 2027, with a safety operator present, aiming for fully driverless operations eventually. Pony.ai will supply its Gen-7 robotaxis, while Nvidia will provide its Hyperion platform and Halos safety system. This initiative aligns with inDrive's strategy of a capital-light approach, leveraging partners' expertise to offer affordable autonomous ride-hailing in emerging markets. Kazakhstan has already established regulations for testing autonomous vehicles on public roads, and Astana's challenging winter conditions are seen as a valuable testbed for the technology.