Grab invests in May Mobility as robotaxi start-up expands to South-east Asia
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May Mobility will leverage GrabMaps – Grab’s mapping technology – to study South-east Asian roads to ensure safe deployment.
PHOTO: ST FILE
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Singapore - May Mobility said on Oct 23 it has secured a significant equity investment from Singapore-based ride-hailing firm Grab, as part of the robotaxi start-up’s move to expand in South-east Asia in 2026.
The deal is a step towards the commercial deployment of robotaxis globally, creating a blueprint for how self-driving taxis are managed within existing ride-hailing platforms.
May Mobility, which began commercial rides earlier in 2025 in the US without the presence of a human driver, will leverage GrabMaps – Grab’s mapping technology – to study South-east Asian roads to ensure safe deployment.
GrabMaps uses artificial intelligence to process data from South-east Asian cities to deliver accurate hyperlocal maps that are updated in real time.
May Mobility will also weave its technology into Grab’s fleet management, vehicle matching and routing systems.
Additionally, the companies will work to identify training, upskilling and transition opportunities for Grab rideshare drivers interested in roles related to autonomous vehicles.
“Our plan is to bring May Mobility’s autonomy system to South-east Asia as early as 2026, regulations willing,” said May Mobility chief executive Edwin Olson in a statement, without identifying a specific market. “We will work closely with the appropriate regulators as we prepare to launch.”
May Mobility declined to provide further details on Grab’s equity stake in the start-up.
This is May Mobility’s third partnership in the ride-hailing industry, following its recent tie-up with Lyft to launch self-driving cars in Atlanta, and an upcoming roll-out with Uber in the US.
In November 2023, May Mobility secured a 10 billion yen (S$85 million) investment from Japan’s NTT as part of a push to advance autonomous driving. NTT also announced plans to test self-driving buses and taxis with Toyota Motor in 2025.
In September, Grab was selected by the Land Transport Authority for Singapore’s first autonomous shuttle service in a residential neighbourhood
May Mobility uses modified Toyota Siennas for smaller rides and high-capacity Italian Tecnobus autonomous electric minibuses for higher-density routes. REUTERS, BLOOMBERG
