inDrive, Pony.ai and Nvidia to test robotaxis in Kazakhstan in 2027

Ride-hailing company inDrive has signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese autonomous driving firm Pony.ai and Nvidia to test robotaxis in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana, in the first half of 2027.

The tests will initially involve a safety operator, with fully driverless rides as the eventual goal. Under the proposed plan, Pony.ai will provide its Gen-7 robotaxis, which inDrive will offer through its ride-hailing app and operate in Kazakhstan. Nvidia will supply its Hyperion platform and Halos safety system as part of the AI technology stack.

Kazakhstan announced plans in September 2026 to launch autonomous taxi services in 2027 and has introduced rules for testing autonomous vehicles on certain public roads. inDrive CEO Arsen Tomsky said the Astana tests will provide an opportunity to evaluate autonomous driving technology in challenging winter conditions, as the city faces months of snow and ice.