inDrive plans to test Pony.ai robotaxis in Kazakhstan in 2027
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inDrive, Pony.ai and Nvidia have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore bringing robotaxis to inDrive’s ride-hailing platform. inDrive CTO Yuri Misnik told TechCrunch that testing is expected to begin in Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital, in the first half of 2027, initially with a safety operator; fully driverless rides are the eventual goal. Pony.ai would provide its Gen-7 robotaxis, while Nvidia would contribute its Hyperion and Halos platforms for computing and safety.
The proposal comes as Kazakhstan prepares rules and plans for autonomous taxi services in 2027. inDrive says Astana’s harsh winter could help evaluate the technology in snow and ice. Nvidia says its Hyperion platform could lower development costs by providing a ready-made foundation of sensors and computing, a relevant factor in markets where rides are more affordable, according to its vice president of automotive, Ali Kani.
Why it matters · editorial interpretation
The agreement brings together a ride-hailing platform, a robotaxi company and a computing provider to test an autonomous service in snow and ice conditions. As Kazakhstan prepares rules for autonomous taxis in 2027, the test could connect technical development with the formation of the local regulatory framework.
Sources
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