Robotaxi company Pony AI Inc. will partner with ride hailing giant Uber Technologies Inc. to launch in the Middle East this year, as the auto industry’s push into autonomous driving gathers pace.

Uber Technologies and Chinese autonomous vehicle maker Pony AI announced a partnership Tuesday to put Pony AI's robotaxis on Uber's platform.

Uber said on Tuesday it was partnering with Pony AI to deploy the China-based robotaxi developer's vehicles onto its ride-hailing platform, marking the latest in a series of tie-ups aimed at strengthening its presence in the fledgling robotaxi sector.