Uber Divests Stake in Serve Robotics Amid Operational Clashes

Uber Technologies Inc. fully divested its stake in Serve Robotics Inc. during the second quarter of 2026. The exit follows a period of declining delivery volumes and internal conflicts regarding the operating model for scaling a shared autonomous fleet.

Serve Robotics CEO Ali Kashani announced that the company will not renew its agreement with Uber when it expires in early 2027. Kashani cited disagreements over fleet coordination and merchant integration as primary drivers for the decision.

Operational tensions characterized the partnership's end. Uber raised concerns regarding the reliability and performance of the robots, while Serve alleged that Uber failed to accurately display robot estimated times of arrival to customers.

This divestment is part of a broader shift in Uber's autonomous strategy, which includes the scheduled end of its exclusive arrangement with Waymo in early 2028. Uber continues to maintain partnerships with other robot providers, including Coco Robotics, Avride, Starship Technologies Inc., and Cartken.