inDrive and partners plan 2027 robotaxi trials in central asia

Ride-hailing company inDrive, known for its fare negotiation model, is set to begin robotaxi testing in Kazakhstan in 2027 with support from Pony.ai and Nvidia. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding to integrate Pony.ai’s Gen-7 robotaxis into inDrive’s platform, with testing starting in Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital, in the first half of 2027. Nvidia will provide AI technology, including its Hyperion platform and Halos safety system, while Pony.ai will supply the vehicles. inDrive’s CTO, Yuri Misnik, emphasized the goal of fully driverless rides, starting with safety operators. Kazakhstan plans to launch autonomous taxi services in 2027, with trials in Astana and two other cities. The harsh winters in Astana are seen as a valuable test environment for autonomous driving systems. inDrive also plans to explore robotaxi deployments in Saudi Arabia with AI Driver and WeRide, targeting a 2026 pilot, though progress remains unclear. Misnik highlighted the importance of a favorable regulatory environment for successful testing.