inDrive, a ride-hailing company known for its fare negotiation model, has announced plans to test autonomous robotaxis in Kazakhstan starting in early 2027. The company will partner with Chinese self-driving technology firm Pony.ai, which will supply its Gen-7 robotaxi vehicles, and Nvidia, which will provide the AI technology stack, including its Hyperion platform and Halos safety system. Initial tests in the capital city Astana will involve safety operators, with the goal of advancing to fully driverless rides.

This move reflects inDrive’s strategy to expand its business beyond traditional ride-hailing and enter the autonomous vehicle market in a capital-efficient way by collaborating with technology partners globally. The company already operates in over 1,200 cities across 47 countries, and it recently expanded into delivery, intercity transportation, and financial services, demonstrating a diversified growth trajectory. inDrive’s CTO Yuri Misnik emphasized the importance of supportive regulatory environments for successful autonomous vehicle deployments.

Nvidia highlighted that its AI platforms help reduce the costs and complexity of developing robotaxi services, particularly in emerging markets, where ride-hailing is generally offered at affordable rates. Pony.ai has ambitious plans to grow its global fleet of robotaxis to more than 3,500 vehicles across over 20 cities by the end of 2026. Kazakhstan’s push into autonomous taxis, including regulatory approvals for testing on public roads, positions it as an innovative testing ground, especially given its harsh winter climate that challenges self-driving technologies.

This initiative complements inDrive’s other robotaxi efforts, such as its agreement with Saudi Arabia’s AI Driver to explore autonomous vehicle deployment in Riyadh. Uber is also in the race, announcing robotaxi testing with Pony.ai in London and working with other autonomous vehicle startups across various regions. By targeting emerging markets like Kazakhstan, inDrive aims to carve out a competitive edge as self-driving technology advances beyond established hubs in the US and China.