(Reuters) -Alphabet's Waymo said on Wednesday it will begin manual testing of its autonomous vehicles at Newark Liberty International Airport, as the firm looks to bring its robotaxis to one of the three main airports serving the New York City area.

The robotaxi firm has grown slowly but steadily over the years in the United States despite tough regulations and expensive technology. Now, it is picking up speed through partnerships with ride-hailing platforms and fleet operators at a time when Tesla is rolling out its long-promised robotaxi service in the country.

Waymo will carry out the testing with human drivers at the Newark airport in collaboration with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, it said in a post on X.

Commercializing autonomous vehicles has proven difficult in the U.S. amid setbacks for several companies, including General Motors' ( GM ) Cruise, due to collisions, recalls and federal investigations.

Waymo last week said it plans to launch its fully driverless ride-hailing service in London in 2026, looking to expand its footprint to major international cities.