Pony AI is partnering with ride-hailing platform inDrive and Nvidia to launch robotaxi services in Kazakhstan, marking its foray into Central Asia.
The three companies signed a memorandum of understanding to assess the technical, regulatory and commercial feasibility of offering driverless rides through the inDrive app, they said in a joint statement on Friday.
The companies plan to initially launch in the capital, Astana, subject to an agreement with the government.
Pony AI will supply its seventh-generation robotaxis, while inDrive will provide the ride-hailing platform and operate the service.
Nvidia will support the effort with its artificial-intelligence infrastructure, including its Hyperion reference platform for Level 4 autonomous vehicles and its Halos safety system.
The move marks Pony AI's continued efforts to bring robotaxi services to markets beyond China. Pony AI currently offers robotaxi operations in major Chinese cities, Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
The initial project would assess whether the service could eventually expand to other cities in Kazakhstan and additional markets where inDrive operates. The companies didn't disclose a launch date, investment amount or expected fleet size.
"Autonomous mobility has the potential to make transportation more affordable and accessible in the cities we serve," inDrive founder and Chief Executive Arsen Tomsky said.
Pony AI Chief Executive James Peng said the collaboration would build on the company's experience scaling driverless operations in China and expanding internationally.
Comments