A Goldman Sachs 2026 industry forecast projects a $415 billion global robotaxi market and a $560 billion autonomous-trucking market by 2035. The same research estimates approximately $2 trillion in broader autonomous-vehicle revenue, including hardware, software, and services. It notes that some of that spending would shift from existing transportation activities. These forecasts show the scale of the autonomous-driving opportunity, which extends beyond passenger transport to the technologies covered in 12 Best Autonomous Driving Stocks to Buy at the beginning of 2026.
The research also forecasts that autonomous trucks could become cost-competitive with human-driven trucks in the United States in 2028. It models the higher hardware cost per truck falling from $125,000–150,000 today to $35,000–40,000 by 2035. These remain projections, but they show equipment cost as a measurable driver of the commercial opportunity. 11 Best Robotics Stocks to Buy Right Now examines the broader automation market.
Regulators have opened new routes toward deployment. Britain’s Department for Transport opened applications for taxi, bus and private-hire-style self-driving pilots on May 22, 2026. It requires safety assessments. This includes cybersecurity checks and local consent for services. Readers can explore the sector further in 11 Best Self-Driving Car Stocks to Buy According to Analysts.
The UK government’s pilot guidance separates operations without a safety driver from supervised trials. It requires a documented safety case and suitable vehicle maintenance and software management procedures. The same guidance also requires insurance covering liabilities from the vehicle and its operation, incident-management protocols and pre-deployment checks. Removing the onboard driver does not remove the operator’s responsibility for maintaining the vehicle and managing its operation.
Singapore shows the gap between passenger adoption and revenue since its Land Transport Authority reported more than 11,500 unique riders on Punggol’s autonomous shuttles by July 12, 2026. However, its July update said fixed-route rides would stay free while operators prepared service enhancements. Among approximately 270 residents the authority surveyed, almost 60% wanted more choice over where they board and alight, and around 40% preferred more direct routes. The authority outlined an on-demand pilot with more direct routes. Passenger interest alone does not establish paying demand.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority reported more than four million robotaxi kilometers and 7,613 passenger trips in its August 19, 2026 update. The fleet totals 144 vehicles, 48 of them in active operation. The authority reiterated its target of making 25% of transportation trips autonomous by 2030, reported 97% customer satisfaction and described a phased rollout through defined operating zones, from safety-driver trials toward fully driverless public transportation.
