Robot taxis launch in London

The launch in London is seen as the toughest test yet for Waymo's technology, which has primarily operated in grid-based American cities.

The company is competing with Uber and Tesla for dominance in the emerging 'Big Three' of mobility, with billions of dollars being invested in the self-driving future.

While some residents have expressed skepticism about robotaxis, Los Angeles has already enlisted the technology to help identify and map road potholes.

Waymo's gradual rollout aims to build public trust and demonstrate that AI can safely handle the narrow, winding streets of a major European capital.