Uber is partnering with China's Pony AI and Croatia's Verne to launch what it claims will be Europe's first commercially available robotaxi service. The vehicles are currently being tested in Zagreb, Croatia, and will soon be available to customers on Uber's ridehail network. The partnership is part of Uber's efforts to protect itself from potential financial backlash from robotaxis overtaking its traditional business. Verne will manage the fleet and Pony AI will develop the autonomous driving technology. The first service will be in Zogreb, with more European markets to follow. The ultimate goal is to scale the fleet to “thousands of robotaxis” over the next few years.