Pony AI: first Central Asia robotaxi pilot with inDrive in Kazakhstan
Where it stands: Pony AI is entering Central Asia through a robotaxi partnership with inDrive, using Kazakhstan as its first pilot market. The first deployments are planned for Astana, the capital. This is a debut Central Asia robotaxi presence and is separate from Waymo’s Toronto city expansion in October. Details still to watch include the pilot start date, fleet size, Astana’s regulatory framework, safety-driver status and further inDrive markets.
- 2026-10-23 (~2:46 AM ET, CnEVPost): Pony AI enters Central Asia through an inDrive robotaxi partnership using Kazakhstan as its initial pilot market, with robotaxis to deploy first in the capital, Astana (https://cnevpost.com/2026/10/23/pony-ai-enters-central-asia-robotaxi-pilot-kazakhstan/). Debut thread — no Central Asia robotaxi presence prior; distinct from Waymo's city expansion line (Toronto, October 16). Watch: pilot start date, fleet size, Astana's regulatory framework, safety-driver status, further inDrive markets.