Uber CEO predicts most rides could be robot-operated within 20 years

Fortune

by Jake Angelo

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has predicted that within 15 to 20 years, most rides could be operated by robots, signaling a major shift in the transportation industry driven by autonomous vehicles. This forecast highlights the growing impact of AI on job displacement, particularly for drivers and other workers in the gig economy. While the transition will take time, Khosrowshahi emphasized that businesses must prepare for the rapid advancement of automation and its potential to replace up to 80% of human jobs within a decade. The rise of autonomous vehicles is already evident in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Atlanta, where companies like Waymo, Tesla, and Amazon’s Zoox are expanding the robotaxi market. A Goldman Sachs report predicts that the number of robotaxis in the U.S. will grow from 1,500 in 2025 to about 35,000 by 2030, capturing 8% of the rideshare market. However, Khosrowshahi believes this growth is just the beginning, envisioning a future with tens of millions of robotaxis worldwide. Despite the challenges—such as regulatory hurdles, technological advancements, and public acceptance—Uber is accelerating its efforts to commercialize autonomous vehicles through initiatives like Uber Autonomous Solutions. These programs focus on developing infrastructure, improving user experiences, and managing fleets of driverless cars. Meanwhile, the company is also diversifying opportunities for contractors by offering roles in delivery services and AI-related tasks, such as training models and evaluating responses. The broader implications of AI-driven job displacement are significant. Khosrowshahi

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Originally published on Fortune on 2/23/2026