Nuro approved to test its driverless Uber robotaxis on California roads

Uber-backed Nuro has received an updated permit to test its Lucid Gravity robotaxis on California streets, according to recent DMV documents. It's a key step in Uber's plan to deploy 100,000 driverless vehicles in the US, including up to 35,000 powered by Nuro's self-driving technology. The companies expect to begin fully-autonomous testing later this year, a spokesperson told TechCrunch. 

Nuro, backed by NVIDIA, Toyota and Uber, has become a key player in the robotaxi and autonomous vehicle arena, having already received a California DMV permit for driverless deliveries with its R3 Nuro Robot vehicle. At CES 2026 in January, Nuro and Uber unveiled their robotaxi design based on the three-row Lucid Gravity electric crossover. It will feature a multi-pronged sensor system, including high-res cameras, lidar sensors, and radar, along with a roof-mounted LED display. The interior will offer luxuries like rider-controlled heated seats.

So ...