Waymo to Launch Robotaxis in London by 2026

15 HOURS AGO·UPDATED 15 HOURS AGO

story

Above: A pedestrian crosses the street in front of two taxis in central London on March 24, 2025. Image copyright: Henry Nicholls/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Techno-skeptic narrative

Driverless cars threaten to repeat history's worst mistake by prioritizing machines over people. The tech industry's dismissive attitude toward pedestrians as obstacles reveals a dangerous mindset that could strip away basic freedoms like crossing streets. London's streets risk becoming hostile environments designed for corporate profits.

TaxiPoint Guardian

Techno-optimist narrative

Autonomous vehicles represent a revolutionary leap forward that will save thousands of lives by eliminating human error from driving. With faster reaction times and advanced AI systems, these cars never get tired, distracted or impaired like human drivers do. The technology promises thousands of new jobs and safer streets for everyone.

London Daily News UK Government X

Narrative C

London is a maze of centuries-old streets, impulsive cyclists, jaywalking crowds, and erratic weather — an ecosystem that thrives on human instinct, not code. For all of Waymo’s algorithms and sensors, the city's chaos resists automation. London doesn't yield to machines; it demands the split-second empathy of human drivers.

Institution of Mechanical Engineers Wired