Uber is investing hundreds of millions of dollars into Lucid and autonomous vehicle technology startup Nuro in a bid to launch its own robotaxi service.

As part of the arrangement, Baidu will introduce thousands of its Apollo Go autonomous vehicles on Uber’s platform in areas outside of China and the United States.

The ridehail company is teaming up with China’s Baidu to deploy robotaxis in Asia and the Middle East. But Uber’s real autonomous ambitions are more expansive.

“With recent growth in Austin and California, plus opening in Atlanta with Uber, Waymo now serves more than 700 sq mi across the US,” the company said. According to Waymo, it has driven over 100 million fully autonomous miles without a human behind the wheel.

SAN FRANCISCO] Uber will invest US$300 million in electric vehicle maker Lucid in a robotaxi deal that aims to start with one major US city late next year, the companies said on Thursday (Jul 17). Read more at The Business Times.

“Our renewed partnership with the GSA will help government agencies simplify their travel and transportation needs,” said Uber President and Chief Operating Officer Andrew Macdonald. “We’re paving the way for a future where integrated mobility, meal delivery, and fleet management can help transform the full range of government services.”

Uber has partnered with a number of firms for robotaxi services, but this latest alliance is getting more attention than most.

The move will help Baidu internationalize its driverless car business, while Uber will gain a proven partner to take on autonomous driving rivals.