Waymo, the self-driving tech development unit of Google's parent company Alphabet, has entered a multi-year strategic partnership with ride-hailing giant Uber to offer Waymo's robotaxi and delivery services via Uber's platforms starting in Phoenix, Arizona.

The companies expect to commence operations later this year, with a limited number of Waymo vehicles across Waymo’s recently expanded territory in Phoenix. The service will be available via both Uber and Uber Eats apps for rides and food deliveries, respectively.

Analyst QuickTake: This collaboration presents an additional avenue for Waymo to monetize its autonomous driving technology, as Waymo now has the opportunity to extend its customer base and broaden its market reach beyond the existing users of its “Waymo One” robotaxi app. The partnership will also strengthen Uber’s presence in the autonomous driving space, especially considering its previous endeavors in developing self-driving technology, which ultimately led to the sale of its autonomous tech unit to peer startup Aurora Innovation. Uber already has a similar partnership with self-driving tech company Motional to offer robotaxi and autonomous food delivery services on its platforms.