The global robotaxi industry is accelerating faster than ever — and in 2026 the expansion has reached the Asia-Pacific region. From Singapore to Tokyo and the Middle East, autonomous taxi operators are launching commercial services in markets that share striking similarities with Australia. For Australians tracking when robotaxis might arrive here, the question is no longer hypothetical. The operators are getting closer.
Robotaxis in Asia-Pacific: The 2026 Landscape
Until recently, commercial robotaxi services were concentrated in the United States and China. That changed rapidly in 2025 and early 2026 as major operators began deploying fleets across the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. These markets represent a proving ground for the regulatory frameworks and operational models that could eventually apply to Australia.
The expansion is being driven by partnerships between autonomous vehicle companies and established ride-hail platforms. Uber in particular has emerged as the dominant distribution channel, signing agreements with multiple robotaxi operators to integrate driverless vehicles into its existing network.
WeRide Launches in Singapore and the Middle East
Chinese autonomous vehicle company WeRide has become one of the most internationally active robotaxi operators, now running services across 40 cities in 11 countries. In early 2026 WeRide launched a commercial robotaxi service in downtown Abu Dhabi through a partnership with Uber — one of the first fully driverless ride-hail services in the Middle East.
More relevant to Australia is WeRide’s expansion into Singapore. Through a partnership with Grab (Southeast Asia’s largest ride-hail platform) WeRide has begun autonomous vehicle trial operations in Singapore’s Punggol district, with public services commencing in April 2026. The company holds AV licences in eight countries and plans to scale to over 2,600 robotaxis globally during 2026.
Baidu Apollo Go Reaches 20 Million Rides
Baidu’s Apollo Go platform — the world’s largest robotaxi service by ride volume — surpassed 20 million cumulative rides by early 2026. Operating across 26 Chinese cities with fully driverless fleets, Apollo Go has expanded internationally into the United Kingdom, Switzerland, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.
The platform’s robotaxi revenue grew by over 800 per cent year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2025, delivering more than 300,000 weekly rides. While Baidu has not confirmed plans for Australia, its systematic push into new international markets suggests the Asia-Pacific region remains a key growth area.
Waymo Scales to 400,000 Weekly Rides
Waymo continues to lead in the United States, now operating across approximately 10 metropolitan areas with a fleet of over 3,000 vehicles. In February 2026 the company launched simultaneously in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Orlando — its largest single expansion to date.
Waymo has also begun international groundwork. A partnership with Japanese taxi operator Nihon Kotsu and ride-hail platform GO is adapting Waymo’s technology for Tokyo’s streets. A South Korean government delegation visited Waymo’s facilities in January 2026, signalling regulatory interest from another Asia-Pacific nation. These moves indicate Waymo is building the operational playbook for markets beyond North America — including potentially countries like Australia.
Zoox, May Mobility and Other Operators
Amazon-backed Zoox has entered a multi-year partnership with Uber to deploy a dedicated robotaxi fleet, beginning in Las Vegas and expanding to Los Angeles. While Zoox’s international timeline remains unclear, the Uber partnership gives it access to a global distribution network that includes Australia.
May Mobility — a smaller but strategically significant operator — has partnered with Grab to expand autonomous vehicle technology across Southeast Asia. The company already operates in Tokyo Bay, Japan and has launched a ride-hail API designed for global deployment. Its autonomous minibus platform (developed with Italian manufacturer Tecnobus) is expected to begin road operations in the second half of 2026.
- WeRide: 40+ cities across 11 countries including Singapore and the UAE
- Baidu Apollo Go: 26 cities with over 20 million rides completed
- Waymo: 10 US metro areas plus Japan partnership and 400,000+ weekly rides
- Zoox: Las Vegas and San Francisco with Uber integration underway
- May Mobility: US, Japan and Southeast Asia via Grab partnership
What This Means for Australian Robotaxis in 2026
Australia’s position in this landscape is increasingly significant. The country shares key characteristics with markets where robotaxis are now launching — well-maintained road infrastructure, high smartphone adoption, established ride-hail usage and a regulatory environment that is actively preparing for autonomous vehicles.
The National Transport Commission continues to develop the Automated Vehicle Safety Law, which is expected to establish a national framework for driverless vehicle approval. State transport authorities in New South Wales and Victoria have already engaged with international operators about potential trial programs.
The pattern emerging across the Asia-Pacific is clear: operators partner with local ride-hail platforms, secure regulatory approval and launch in defined urban zones before expanding. Sydney and Melbourne — with their established Uber networks, defined CBD grids and supportive state governments — fit this model closely.
The Road Ahead for Australia
Every major robotaxi operator is now either present in the Asia-Pacific or actively preparing to enter it. Singapore, Japan, South Korea and the UAE have moved from trials to commercial operations in under two years. Australia’s regulatory timeline suggests a similar trajectory could begin in the late 2020s.
For a deeper look at how the technology works, the safety data behind these services and the economic impact they could have on Australia, explore our full coverage. We track every development so you don’t have to.
Sources
- WeRide Investor Relations — Global Expansion Accelerates with Landmark UAE Driverless Robotaxi Launch
- Baidu Investor Relations — Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025 Results
- Waymo — Official Blog
- Zoox — Zoox and Uber Partnership Announcement
- May Mobility — Expanding AV Technology in Southeast Asia with Grab
- National Transport Commission — Automated Vehicles Reform
