inDrive signs MOU with Pony.ai and Nvidia for 2027 Astana robotaxi tests
TechCrunch reports inDrive signed an MOU with Pony.ai and Nvidia to explore robotaxi tests in Astana, Kazakhstan, in the first half of 2027 with a safety operator.
The story in focus
TechCrunch reports inDrive signed a memorandum of understanding with Pony.ai and Nvidia to explore robotaxi testing in Astana, Kazakhstan, in the first half of 2027. Tests would initially include a safety operator, using Pony.ai Gen-7 vehicles and Nvidia's Hyperion platform and Halos safety system.
- inDrive, Pony.ai and Nvidia signed an MOU to explore robotaxis on inDrive's platform in Kazakhstan
- Testing is planned to begin in Astana in the first half of 2027, initially with a safety operator
- Pony.ai would supply Gen-7 robotaxis; Nvidia would supply the Hyperion platform and Halos safety system
- inDrive CTO Yuri Misnik described the partnership approach as capital-light by design
- Pony.ai targets more than 3,500 robotaxis in over 20 cities by the end of 2026, up from 1,975 at end-June
What the agreement covers
TechCrunch reported that ride-hailing company inDrive signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese autonomous driving firm Pony.ai and Nvidia to explore bringing robotaxis onto inDrive's platform in Kazakhstan. Under the proposed plan, Pony.ai would provide its Gen-7 robotaxis, which inDrive would offer through its app and operate in the country. Nvidia would supply AI technology including its Hyperion platform and Halos safety system.
inDrive CTO Yuri Misnik told TechCrunch that testing would begin in Astana in the first half of 2027, initially with a safety operator, with fully driverless rides as the eventual goal. He described the company's approach as capital-light by design, combining partners' expertise with inDrive's in different markets.
Cost and market context
Nvidia says Hyperion could lower robotaxi development costs by providing a ready-made foundation of sensors and computing technology. Ali Kani, Nvidia's vice president of automotive, told TechCrunch those savings are particularly relevant in emerging markets, where ride-hailing is already relatively affordable and autonomous services need to compete on cost.
The announcement coincides with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's first visit to Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan announced plans last month to launch autonomous taxi services in 2027, with initial trials in Astana and two other cities, and has introduced rules for testing autonomous vehicles on certain public roads. Astana, with a population of around 1.7 million, faces months of snow and ice. inDrive founder and CEO Arsen Tomsky said launching there would allow evaluation of autonomous driving technology in challenging winter conditions.
Broader expansion
Pony.ai aims to have more than 3,500 robotaxis operating in over 20 cities worldwide by the end of 2026, up from 1,975 vehicles at the end of June. inDrive operates in more than 1,200 cities across 47 countries and has expanded into delivery, intercity transportation and financial services. Misnik said inDrive is also looking at other markets, with a favorable and collaborative regulatory environment a main requisite for launches.
When and where would inDrive's robotaxi tests with Pony.ai and Nvidia begin?
TechCrunch reports testing would begin in Astana, Kazakhstan, in the first half of 2027, initially with a safety operator. The companies signed an MOU to explore the plan; fully driverless rides are the eventual goal.
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