Uber will expand its robotaxi services to several international markets, including Madrid, Houston and Zurich, as the ride-hailing company invests hundreds of millions of dollars in the emerging sector.

The company has previously announced plans to launch autonomous vehicles in San Francisco Bay Area, London, Munich and Los Angeles in collaboration with technology partners such as Lucid, Nuro, Baidu, Wayve, Beijing Momenta Technology and Volkswagen.

Bloomberg reports that Uber intends to make driverless vehicles a key growth area, targeting more than ten markets globally by the end of 2026.

Uber has not disclosed exact launch dates or confirmed which technology partners it will use in the new markets, though a spokesperson said it will work with previously publicised collaborators.

In Asia, Hong Kong will become Uber’s first robotaxi market, with China’s Baidu holding a license for small-scale driverless trials.

In Switzerland, WeRide has an autonomous-driving license for certain areas.

Uber faces competition from Waymo, which offers driverless rides via the Uber app in Austin, Atlanta and Phoenix, and through its own app in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Miami.

The company currently provides driverless services in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh with WeRide, and in Dallas with Avride.

Featured image credit: Uber