inDrive to test Pony.ai robotaxis in Astana in first half of 2027

inDrive said it plans to begin robotaxi testing in Astana, Kazakhstan, in the first half of 2027, under a partnership with Pony.ai and NVIDIA. The announcement was reported by DigitalToday.

Under a memorandum of understanding, Pony.ai would supply its 7th-generation robotaxi for integration into inDrive's ride-hailing platform, while inDrive would operate the service through its app. NVIDIA would provide AI technology, including its Hyperion platform and the Halos safety system.

The initial test operations will carry safety staff on board, with a long-term goal of fully driverless operation. inDrive CTO Yuri Misnik said the company's business structure was designed to be asset-light from the start.

In September 2026, the Kazakh government announced a plan to launch autonomous taxi services in 2027, with initial tests in three cities including Astana. Pony.ai reported 1,975 robotaxis in operation at the end of June this year, with a goal of more than 3,500 vehicles in over 20 cities worldwide by the end of 2026.

In December 2025, inDrive signed a separate contract with Saudi Arabia's AI Driver and considered deploying autonomous vehicles using technology from Chinese firm WeRide, planning a pilot in Riyadh in the first half of 2026. There has been no confirmation that testing began. inDrive currently operates in more than 1,200 cities across 47 countries.