Singapore is taking a bold step into the future of urban mobility. Two major Chinese autonomous driving companies, WeRide and Pony.ai, are partnering with local firms to introduce robotaxi services in the city-state. The move marks a significant push in Singapore’s journey toward autonomous transport.
Grab Teams Up with WeRide
Ride-hailing giant Grab announced it will collaborate with WeRide to operate five- and eight-seater autonomous vehicles. Services are slated to begin in early 2026, following a familiarization phase where the vehicles will study Punggol’s routes in detail. This partnership comes after WeRide secured a permit from Shanghai authorities earlier this year to operate robotaxi services in China.
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Pony.ai and ComfortDelGro Join the Race
Pony.ai, backed by Toyota, is teaming up with ComfortDelGro for a similar service in Punggol. While the launch depends on regulatory approvals, the company plans to start with fixed routes before expanding to other areas. Currently, Pony.ai operates commercial robotaxis in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, and aims to expand its fleet globally after raising $260 million through a Nasdaq listing.
Singapore’s Push for Autonomous Technology
Singapore has already begun testing autonomous driving in smaller zones, signaling a government-driven interest in smart mobility solutions. Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow visited multiple autonomous driving companies in China earlier this year, exploring potential collaborations and technology transfers.
With these partnerships, Singapore is set to blend advanced Chinese robotics with local operational expertise, potentially transforming the way residents navigate the city.
