Uber Plans to Launch 500 Data-Collection Vehicles in 2023

On Wednesday, Uber introduced a prototype vehicle intended to collect real-world driving data for its growing network of autonomous vehicle partners, such as Avride, Waymo, and WeRide.

The prototype is not drastically different from traditional designs; it features a Hyundai Ioniq 5, significantly enhanced with sensors on its roof and sides, as previously mentioned by TechCrunch in January. While the exterior may not be groundbreaking, it represents crucial progress for the company.

This is Uber’s first self-assembled vehicle (with help from a partner) since the sale of its autonomous vehicle division to Aurora in 2020. It also highlights advancements from Uber’s new AV Labs division, launched earlier this year, which aims to utilize sensor-equipped vehicles to collect and share data with over 30 autonomous vehicle technology partners.

On Wednesday, Uber announced plans to roll out 500 of these sensor-laden Hyundai EVs globally this year. This fleet is expected to gather “2 million miles per month of high-fidelity data” specifically for robotaxi services, with a target of having 50 vehicles operational by summer.

The Ioniqs are outfitted with 14 cameras, eight solid-state lidar sensors, and nine radars, all retrofitted in partnership with Roush Performance. Data will be processed through Nvidia’s Dual Drive Thor autonomous vehicle computer. Uber is ready to adapt this sensor configuration, indicating that it will continue to evolve based on its partners’ needs.

Uber aims to establish a geographically diverse training dataset specifically for autonomous driving. If successful, this dataset will offer its AV partners a comprehensive, synchronized 360-degree view, which is crucial for training self-driving software.

The company has already made notable strides, having collected data from a fleet of thousands of specially-equipped vehicles across various cities. Moreover, it has accrued data from hundreds of Lucid Air vehicles operating in the U.S. and Europe over the past two years.

Uber’s AV Labs division is currently evaluating these data sets and is set to collect even more from its modified Ioniq 5 vehicles, which will benefit its fleet partners.