Pony.ai Unveils New "PonyWorld 2.0" AI Engine and Launches Europe's First Robotaxi Service in Zagreb

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Pony.ai Unveils New "PonyWorld 2.0" AI Engine and Launches Europe's First Robotaxi Service in Zagreb

Image: (c) PonyAI

News
Post from April 16, 2026

Pony.ai is accelerating the commercialization of autonomous vehicles on two fronts: with the launch of its new "PonyWorld 2.0" AI platform, the company is fundamentally advancing its software architecture, while simultaneously launching Europe's first commercial robotaxi service. 

Pony.ai is accelerating the commercialization of autonomous vehicles on two fronts: with the launch of its new "PonyWorld 2.0" AI platform, the company is fundamentally advancing its software architecture, while simultaneously launching Europe's first commercial robotaxi service. 

News
Post from April 16, 2026
Graphic with text PonyWorld 2.0 and glowing globe on blue background
(c) PonyAI

The company recently introduced "PonyWorld 2.0," its next generation of autonomous driving software. At its core is a "self-improving physical AI engine" that does more than just learn vehicle behavior from data; it actively analyzes and optimizes its own decision-making processes. The system is based on an enhanced world model that precisely maps real-world traffic situations while integrating an "intention layer." This allows the AI to understand, evaluate, and systematically improve its own choices. 

Two people getting into a car, one carrying a bag labeled verne
(c) PonyAI

Alongside these technological advancements, Pony.ai is pushing forward with the global expansion of its fleets. A key milestone in this strategy is the launch of Europe's first commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb. The service is operated in partnership with Uber and the mobility provider Verne. While Pony.ai provides the autonomous driving technology, Verne handles local operations, and Uber manages the platform integration. 

At launch, the service covers an area of approximately 35 square miles (90 square kilometers) in the greater Zagreb area, including the airport. The vehicles operate daily from 7 AM to 9 PM. Initially, rides can be booked via the Verne app, with integration into the Uber app planned for the future. 

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