Pony.ai Begins Driverless Robotaxi Tests in Zagreb

On September 10, Pony.ai and Verne began fully driverless test rides in Zagreb, Croatia, marking a step toward passenger travel without an autonomous vehicle operator or other personnel onboard. The Pony.ai driverless robotaxi tests are taking place as the companies prepare for a broader European robotaxi program developed with Uber. Under the arrangement, Pony.ai’s autonomous driving system performs all driving functions, while Verne’s remote operations team monitors the vehicle without remotely controlling it. The approach is designed to demonstrate how autonomous driving technology can operate on public roads while maintaining oversight through a remote operations function rather than an onboard safety operator.

Driverless Robotaxi Technology and Safety Systems

The driverless robotaxi is equipped with 360-degree sensors, multiple safety systems, and a fail-operational design intended to support operation under real-world conditions. These technologies are central to the testing program because the vehicle is being operated without a human autonomous vehicle operator or other personnel inside the cabin. Pony.ai is responsible for the driving functions through its autonomous driving system, while Verne’s remote team provides monitoring rather than direct vehicle control. This division of responsibilities allows the companies to evaluate both the vehicle’s autonomous capabilities and the operational model required for passenger services that do not rely on an onboard operator.

22-Kilometer Zagreb Testing Route

The Zagreb tests are taking place on public roads under real traffic conditions, rather than in a closed testing environment. The route covers 22 kilometers and connects Verne’s headquarters with a major business district in Zagreb, giving the companies a defined corridor for evaluating driverless passenger trips. The program is being conducted in line with Croatian regulations and the approvals required for autonomous vehicle testing on public roads. Testing on this route provides an opportunity to assess the robotaxi system in an actual urban setting while remaining within the regulatory framework governing autonomous vehicle trials in Croatia.

European Robotaxi Service Development

The announcement follows the collaboration among Pony.ai, Verne, and Uber to launch Europe’s first commercial robotaxi service. The fully driverless tests therefore represent a practical development within that broader effort, moving the partners toward a service model in which passengers can ride without an autonomous vehicle operator or other personnel onboard. For Pony.ai, the tests provide an opportunity to demonstrate its autonomous driving system in European road conditions. For Verne, the program tests the vehicle and remote operations model needed to support driverless passenger transportation.

Remote Monitoring Without Vehicle Control

The use of public roads and the absence of remote vehicle control are particularly important aspects of the Zagreb program. Verne’s remote operations team monitors the robotaxi but does not control it remotely, leaving Pony.ai’s autonomous driving system responsible for driving decisions and vehicle operation. The combination of 360-degree sensing, multiple safety systems, and fail-operational architecture is intended to support the vehicle’s operation as the tests progress. Conducting the program under Croatia’s regulatory requirements also establishes a formal framework for evaluating the technology before any broader commercial deployment can proceed.

Passenger Testing and Next Steps

For passengers, the tests are significant because they demonstrate a robotaxi operating without an onboard operator or other personnel while traveling on a defined public-road route. The program also gives the participating companies a way to examine the practical requirements of driverless service operations, including autonomous driving performance and remote monitoring. The 22-kilometer Zagreb route provides a consistent environment for testing the system between two established locations. Results from these tests can help inform the partners’ next steps as they continue work connected with their planned European commercial robotaxi service.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The Zagreb program could help shape the competitive and regulatory path for commercial robotaxi services in Europe by demonstrating a driverless operating model under real public-road conditions. Its importance extends beyond the individual 22-kilometer route because successful testing would provide the partners with practical evidence on autonomous driving performance, remote monitoring, safety architecture, and compliance with Croatian requirements. The immediate next steps are likely to depend on test results, regulatory approvals, and the partners’ progress toward their planned commercial service. The companies most directly affected are Pony.ai, Verne, and Uber, while the broader relevance lies in how European markets evaluate passenger services that operate without onboard personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Pony.ai driverless robotaxi tests in Zagreb?
The Pony.ai driverless robotaxi tests are public-road trials in Zagreb that allow passengers to travel without an autonomous vehicle operator or other personnel onboard. The tests involve Pony.ai’s autonomous driving system, while Verne’s remote operations team monitors the vehicle without controlling it remotely. The robotaxi uses 360-degree sensors, multiple safety systems, and a fail-operational design. The trials cover a 22-kilometer route connecting Verne’s headquarters with a major business district and are being conducted under Croatian regulations and required approvals for autonomous vehicle testing on public roads.