WMG Professor welcomes Wayve-Uber announcement on autonomous rides
Thursday 3 September 2026
WMG professor welcomes Wayve-Uber announcement on autonomous rides
Expert comment from Professor Siddartha KhastgirLink opens in a new window, Head of Safe Autonomy at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), University of Warwick, following Wayve and Uber’s launch of the first supervised autonomous rides in the UK.
“I am really excited by this announcement, as it brings autonomous driving one step closer to reality.
“As I told the London Assembly Transport CommitteeLink opens in a new window in June, no one should simply arrive in London and deploy autonomous technology. Introducing these systems must be a gradual, carefully managed process that allows operators to understand the city’s unique operational nuances.
“I believe we will continue to see a mixed fleet of both human-driven and autonomous vehicles for the foreseeable future, and this gradual rollout is both responsible and realistic.
“The Wayve-Uber announcement adds a timely and important dimension, giving the public the chance to experience autonomous technology first‑hand while allowing operators and policymakers to understand public opinion, preferences and expectations as the technology evolves.
“Through our research at WMG, we have clear experimental evidence that first‑hand experience with autonomous technology is the most effective way to build trust in it .
“Introducing new technology is like exploring the unknown: we can only regulate or refine what we already understand. Meaningful learning ultimately comes from real‑world deployment. Operating as a supervised service ensures that this learning process, both in navigating London’s complexity and in understanding people’s experiences, happens in a safe and controlled manner.
“I am really looking forward to the insights that emerge from this rollout, both from a technology perspective and in terms of public preferences. This data will form a valuable part of future transport policy and guidance for all stakeholders.”
Find out more about WMG’s Safe Autonomy research and projects: Safe AutonomyLink opens in a new window