Uber Pledges $500M for 35,000 Robotaxis, Cuts 23% of People and Places Division
UBER•Uber is committing $500 million to Nuro with Lucid to deploy 35,000 robotaxis, targeting a Bay Area debut after California granted driverless testing permits. Uber is cutting 23% of its People and Places division, impacting fewer than 1% of its 34,000 staff while still hiring over 800 roles for robotaxis.
1. Autonomous Vehicle Investment
Uber is investing nearly $500 million in Nuro alongside Lucid Motors to build and deploy 35,000 robotaxis. Nuro’s recent California permits for driverless testing and passenger service set the stage for a commercial Bay Area debut later this year.
2. People and Places Division Restructuring
The company is eliminating 23% of roles in its People and Places division, affecting fewer than 1% of its 34,000 global employees. Newly promoted president Jill Hazelbaker said the cuts will reduce fragmentation and improve operational efficiency, clarifying that AI did not drive the decision.
3. Continued Hiring for Robotaxi Commercialization
Despite the restructuring, Uber is recruiting over 800 positions focused on robotaxi deployment and commercialization. The company plans to moderate overall hiring by leveraging its internal AI tools while prioritizing roles critical to its autonomous mobility strategy.
