San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie has declared the city’s commitment to being a leading testbed for emerging technologies, including autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, and health care innovation. Speaking on the main stage at TechCrunch Disrupt, Lurie emphasized that San Francisco has long been a hub for technological advancement and pledged to continue leading the charge under his administration. The city is already home to regular operations by Waymo and Zoox robotaxis, and soon, Uber will join the mix through a partnership with Lucid and Nuro. Lurie welcomed this expansion, stating, “I think we should be the testbed for emerging technology and AI and health care tech — and all of it. We always have been, and under my leadership, we will continue to lead and lean in.” He praised Waymo’s progress in the Bay Area, calling its service a proven safe option. “Waymo has proven out it is a safe ride,” he said, noting that the robotaxis have drawn tourists eager to experience driverless transportation. Lurie expressed hope that Waymo will soon launch service at the airport, offering a seamless connection between air travel and downtown San Francisco. While safety remains a top priority, Lurie highlighted that autonomous vehicle regulations are managed at the state level, primarily by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Companies seeking to offer paid robotaxi rides must also obtain permits from the California Public Utilities Commission. Despite San Francisco’s open stance, other cities have taken a more cautious approach. Boston, for example, has considered imposing a ban on autonomous vehicles. Lurie acknowledged that resistance exists, including from the Teamsters Union, which has pushed for restrictions on self-driving trucks to protect jobs. However, he remains optimistic about technology’s potential to create new opportunities and economic growth. “We believe in the future,” Lurie said. “The future starts always in San Francisco, and we’re going to lean into it.”