inDrive, Pony.ai, Nvidia Plan 2027 Kazakhstan Robotaxi Tests in Astana
Updated
Updated · TechCrunch · Oct 23
inDrive, Pony.ai, Nvidia Plan 2027 Kazakhstan Robotaxi Tests in Astana
3 articles · Updated · TechCrunch · Oct 23
Summary
Testing in Astana is set to begin in the first half of 2027 under a new memorandum linking inDrive’s app, Pony.ai’s Gen-7 robotaxis and Nvidia’s autonomous-driving stack.
Safety operators will ride in the initial trials, with fully driverless service the longer-term goal as Kazakhstan opens public roads to autonomous-vehicle testing.
Nvidia is pitching Hyperion and Halos as a lower-cost foundation for robotaxis, a key factor in emerging markets where autonomous rides must compete with already affordable fares.
Pony.ai is using the deal to extend its global push beyond China, targeting more than 3,500 robotaxis in over 20 cities by end-2026 from 1,975 vehicles at June’s end.
Astana’s 1.7 million residents and severe winter conditions make the city a tough proving ground as ride-hailing companies race to expand robotaxi services beyond the U.S. and China.