Articles tagged with "AI-in-transportation"
TechCrunch Mobility: RIP, Tesla Autopilot, and the NTSB investigates Waymo
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into Waymo following reports that its robotaxis illegally passed stopped school buses multiple times in at least two states. This development adds scrutiny to Waymo’s autonomous vehicle operations amid growing regulatory attention. Meanwhile, Tesla made significant moves in its automated driving technology ahead of its quarterly earnings report. Tesla began offering front-seat robotaxi rides in Austin using a fleet of modified Model Y vehicles running an advanced version of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, moving toward broader deployment despite human safety operators still being present and chase vehicles following some cars. In a notable shift, Tesla discontinued its basic Autopilot system, which had been standard in all vehicles since 2014, and is now focusing solely on its more advanced, subscription-based Full Self-Driving software. This change comes shortly after Tesla stopped charging a one-time $8,000 fee for FSD, opting for a monthly subscription model instead. The move appears aimed at increasing
robotautonomous-vehiclesTesla-AutopilotWaymoAI-in-transportationdriver-assistance-systemsrobotaxiWhat's the Status of Class Action Lawsuit on Tesla Full Self Driving? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses the status of a class action lawsuit concerning Tesla's Full Self Driving (FSD) system, highlighting the longstanding controversy over Tesla’s marketing and claims about FSD capabilities. Despite Tesla’s aggressive promotion of FSD as a near-future fully autonomous driving solution, many of Elon Musk’s public statements—such as the 2016 claim that a Tesla could drive autonomously from Los Angeles to New York by the end of 2017—have proven to be significantly inaccurate. The author notes that while some buyers might have misunderstood the product due to its name, the more substantial issue lies in Musk’s repeated, bold promises that have not materialized, leading to consumer disappointment and questions about the product’s actual utility and value. The article reveals that there is indeed an active, certified class action lawsuit against Tesla—LoSavio and Matsko v. Tesla—addressing these misleading claims. This lawsuit has seen recent developments, including a major ruling in August 202
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslafull-self-drivingself-driving-technologyautomotive-roboticsAI-in-transportationAh, THIS Is Why Tesla "Full Self Driving" Sales End On February 14 - CleanTechnica
The article explains why Tesla's sales of its "Full Self Driving" (FSD) package are set to end on February 14, 2026. This date aligns with a California court ruling issued on December 16, 2025, which found Tesla's use of the terms "Autopilot" and "Full Self Driving" to be false advertising. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) gave Tesla 60 days to comply with the ruling, threatening to suspend Tesla’s license to manufacture and sell vehicles in the state if it did not. February 14 marks the end of this 60-day compliance period. Rather than simply renaming or rebranding the FSD feature to comply with the directive—as Tesla has done in the past with other products—the company appears to be ending FSD sales altogether. The article suggests this may be due to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s reluctance to concede the point, potential strategic reasons such as stimulating sales before the deadline, or plans to
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslaself-driving-technologyautomotive-technologydriver-assist-systemsAI-in-transportationHow Does Tesla FSDS Compare with Commercial Airliner Autopilot? - CleanTechnica
The article discusses Tesla’s Full Self Driving Supervised (FSDS) system in comparison to commercial airliner autopilot, drawing on insights from David Nye, a seasoned pilot with nearly 30,000 hours of autopilot monitoring experience and a long career flying various Boeing aircraft for Qantas. Nye highlights that just as commercial pilots primarily monitor autopilot systems rather than manually flying for extended periods, future drivers will similarly oversee automated driving systems that can operate more reliably and without human limitations such as fatigue or distraction. He emphasizes that autopilot technology in aviation has evolved to handle most phases of flight, reducing pilot workload and increasing safety, though pilots must retain manual flying skills for emergencies. Nye also shares personal anecdotes about the challenges of hand-flying long routes before autopilot systems were fully reliable, underscoring the fatigue and difficulty involved. He notes that while autopilot is now standard and essential in commercial aviation, there are concerns about pilots losing manual flying proficiency, which can be critical in unusual situations.
robotautonomous-vehiclesTesla-Full-Self-Drivingautopilot-technologyAI-in-transportationmachine-learningdriver-assistance-systemsTesla annual sales decline 9% as it’s overtaken by BYD as global EV leader
Tesla’s global vehicle deliveries declined by 9% in 2025, falling to 1.63 million units from 1.79 million in 2024, marking the second consecutive year of sales decline. The drop was driven primarily by the removal of the $7,500 U.S. federal tax credit and intensifying competition from Chinese automakers, particularly BYD, which surpassed Tesla as the world’s leading electric vehicle (EV) seller. Tesla’s fourth-quarter sales fell sharply by 15.6% year-over-year to 418,227 vehicles, significantly below analyst expectations, causing Tesla’s stock to drop over 2% after the New Year holiday. The decline is also linked to Tesla losing market share in Europe and China, while facing growing competition in the U.S., although Chinese EVs remain barred from the American market. Despite CEO Elon Musk’s strategic shift toward AI, robotics, and a broader vision of “sustainable abundance” encompassing energy generation, battery storage, and
electric-vehiclesTeslaBYDenergy-storagesustainable-energyroboticsAI-in-transportationRivian rolls out new ‘Universal Hands-Free’ driving feature
Rivian has released an update for its second-generation R1 electric vehicles introducing the new “Universal Hands-Free” driving feature. This software allows drivers to remove their hands from the wheel on over 3.5 million miles of roads across the US and Canada, including highways and surface streets with visible lane markings. However, drivers must remain attentive and supervise the system, as it does not stop or slow for traffic lights or stop signs, nor does it handle turns or navigation. The system will disengage if a driver signals a turn, requiring manual control. This update significantly expands Rivian’s hands-free driving capabilities from the previous limit of 135,000 miles of highway. Looking ahead, Rivian plans to develop full autonomous driving capabilities, aiming for point-to-point self-driving features by 2026. The company is working on a new autonomy computer with custom silicon and a roof-mounted lidar sensor for its upcoming R2 SUV, which will support these advanced functions. Alongside the driving update,
energyautonomous-vehiclesdriver-assistance-systemselectric-vehiclesautomotive-technologyAI-in-transportationcustom-siliconCar Crashes Are A Public Health Crisis. Autonomous Cars Are The Cure. - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the severe public health crisis posed by motor vehicle accidents in the United States, where nearly 40,000 people die and about 6 million collisions occur annually. Neurosurgeon Jonathan Slotkin, who frequently treats crash victims, analyzed safety data from Waymo, a leading autonomous vehicle company that uniquely publishes comprehensive accident reports. His analysis of nearly 100 million driverless miles across four U.S. cities through mid-2025 revealed that Waymo’s self-driving cars experienced 91% fewer serious injury or fatal crashes and 80% fewer injury-causing crashes overall compared to human drivers on the same roads. Notably, injury-causing crashes at intersections—a common site of deadly accidents—were 96% lower with Waymo vehicles. Slotkin argues that autonomous vehicles represent a major public health breakthrough because they strictly follow traffic rules, maintain constant awareness, and avoid distractions and high-speed conflicts that often lead to fatal crashes. While acknowledging that the technology is not flawless—citing minor incidents
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-carsWaymotraffic-safetyAI-in-transportationpublic-health-technologyWaymo’s co-CEO on the challenge of scaling robotaxis safely
Waymo’s co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana emphasized the critical need to scale the company’s robotaxi operations safely during her interview at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. She highlighted that achieving scale is essential not only for Waymo’s path to profitability but also for improving road safety, asserting that Waymo’s autonomous vehicles currently operate at a safety level surpassing typical human drivers. The company is aggressively expanding its service footprint, planning launches in multiple U.S. cities—including Washington D.C., Miami, Denver, Dallas, Seattle, and Nashville—and internationally in London by 2026. Waymo aims to offer 1 million trips per week by the end of 2026, leveraging partnerships with Uber, Lyft, and Avis to accelerate growth. Mawakana also addressed the challenges of safely scaling robotaxi services, acknowledging that while perfection is unattainable, transparency and accountability remain paramount. She criticized competitors for lacking sufficient openness about their safety records, stating that transparency is necessary to earn public
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxitransportation-technologyroad-safetyAI-in-transportationTesla's Financial Trends Look Horrible — Who Is To Blame? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights concerning financial trends for Tesla despite seemingly strong headline figures such as record vehicle deliveries, $28.1 billion in revenue, and $1.8 billion in net income for Q3 2025. Key issues include a 29% decline in net income compared to the previous year’s quarter, a 50% increase in operating expenses to $3.4 billion, and a 44% drop in income from regulatory credits to under $420 million. These declines occurred during a quarter expected to benefit from increased consumer demand, especially following the elimination of the US EV tax credit by Republican lawmakers. A major factor behind Tesla’s financial challenges is the significant reduction in revenue from regulatory credit trading, which previously contributed $2.8 billion in profit, mostly from the US market. This loss is tied to weakened federal fuel economy standards under the Trump administration, which removed incentives for other automakers to purchase Tesla’s credits. Additionally, Tesla’s rising AI-related expenses lack a
energyelectric-vehiclesTeslaregulatory-creditsEV-tax-creditautomotive-industryAI-in-transportationTesla Now Recommends Sleepy Drivers Try FSD - CleanTechnica
The article discusses a recent Tesla software update (version 2025.32.3) that introduces new alerts recommending drivers who show signs of drowsiness or lane drifting to activate Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. These alerts appear when the vehicle is manually operated and detect driver fatigue or lane departure through cabin cameras and sensors. The messaging encourages drivers to "Let FSD assist so you can stay focused" or "Stay focused with FSD," suggesting the system as a safety net when driver alertness is compromised. This update raises a notable contradiction in Tesla’s positioning of FSD. While Tesla emphasizes that drivers must remain fully attentive and ready to take control at any moment, the new alerts imply that FSD can compensate for reduced driver alertness, such as fatigue or distraction. This dual messaging could represent a step toward proactive safety by offering assistance when human performance declines, but it also poses challenges in balancing marketing, regulatory scrutiny, and real-world driver behavior. The article notes
robotautonomous-vehiclesTesla-FSDdriver-assistanceautomotive-safetyAI-in-transportationvehicle-automationTechCrunch Mobility: Self-driving trucks startup Kodiak goes public and a shake-up at Hyundai’s Supernal
The article from TechCrunch Mobility highlights recent developments in the autonomous vehicle (AV) and transportation sector, emphasizing both progress and challenges. Gatik, an AV logistics startup, announced a significant multi-year partnership with Canada’s largest retailer, Loblaw, to deploy 20 autonomous middle-mile trucks by the end of 2025, with plans to expand to 50 trucks by 2026. These trucks will autonomously manage complex regional deliveries from two distribution centers to over 300 retail stores, marking a notable commercial deployment beyond fixed-route pilots. Additionally, Kodiak Robotics, a self-driving truck startup focused on highway, industrial, and defense applications, went public through a SPAC merger with Ares Acquisition Corporation II, valuing the company at approximately $2.5 billion. Kodiak raised over $212 million in financing, including PIPE funding and trust cash, although some SPAC investors redeemed shares. Founder and CEO Don Burnette explained that going public via SPAC was a strategic choice to access capital
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-trucksKodiak-Roboticslogistics-technologytransportation-innovationAI-in-transportationKodiak Robotics to use NXP processors in autonomous trucks - The Robot Report
Kodiak Robotics has announced the integration of NXP Semiconductors’ automotive processors and in-vehicle networking interfaces into its autonomous driving system, the Kodiak Driver. This integration aims to enhance the system’s performance, robustness, and reliability, particularly in safety-critical computing functions. Kodiak’s custom-designed Kodiak Actuation Control Engine (ACE) will incorporate NXP’s S32G3 vehicle network processor, S32K3 microcontroller, VR5510 power management IC, and PF53 regulator to manage vehicle actuation independently and enable safe fallback maneuvers if any critical component fails. The system evaluates over 1,000 safety-critical processes ten times per second, supporting real-time performance and self-diagnostic capabilities to improve vehicle uptime. NXP’s processors are compliant with the highest automotive safety standard, ISO 26262 ASIL-D, which corresponds to an extremely low failure rate, reinforcing Kodiak’s commitment to safety. The integration also provides flexibility and cost-effectiveness for adapting the Kodi
robotautonomous-trucksNXP-processorsautomotive-safetydriverless-technologyAI-in-transportationvehicle-networkingMiami Jury Finds Tesla Liable For Deadly Crash — Awards $329 Million In Damages - CleanTechnica
A Miami jury found Tesla partially liable for a deadly 2019 crash involving a 2019 Tesla Model S driven by George McGee, who had activated the Autopilot system but was manually accelerating and distracted by searching for his phone when the vehicle ran a stop-controlled T intersection. The Tesla crashed into a Chevy Tahoe, which then struck two pedestrians, killing one and severely injuring the other. The estate of the deceased sued Tesla, arguing that the Autopilot system failed to slow or stop the car at the intersection. Tesla countered that once the driver manually accelerated, many of Autopilot’s safety features were overridden and placed full blame on the driver’s negligence. After a two-week trial, the jury apportioned fault as two-thirds to the driver and one-third to Tesla, awarding $129 million in actual damages plus $200 million in punitive damages, totaling $329 million. The punitive damages were intended to punish Tesla for allegedly misleading marketing and unsafe deployment of Autopilot beyond controlled
robotautonomous-vehiclesTesla-Autopilotself-driving-technologyautomotive-safetyAI-in-transportationdriver-assistance-systemsTesla wants to bring its robotaxis to San Francisco. Here is what’s standing in the way.
Tesla is preparing to launch a limited version of its robotaxi service in San Francisco, following an initial rollout in Austin, Texas. The company plans to invite Tesla owners to test the service, which currently operates with a human safety driver behind the wheel. However, Tesla faces significant regulatory hurdles in California. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulate autonomous vehicle testing and commercial ride services, respectively. While Tesla holds a permit for autonomous vehicle testing with a human operator, it lacks the necessary permits for driverless testing or deployment, as well as the CPUC authorization required to offer autonomous passenger transportation, even with a safety driver present. Deploying robotaxis under these conditions would violate state regulations. This regulatory challenge is compounded by ongoing legal issues Tesla faces in California, including a DMV effort to block vehicle sales over disputed self-driving claims and a lawsuit related to fatalities involving Tesla’s Autopilot system. Tesla’s current robotaxi service in Austin remains
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslarobotaxiself-driving-carstransportation-technologyAI-in-transportationTesla Autopilot Crash Trial — Days 6 & 7 - CleanTechnica
The Tesla Autopilot crash trial, the first third-party wrongful death case against Tesla, is underway in Miami’s federal courthouse, with significant testimony heard on days 6 and 7. On day 6, Tesla technician Michael Callafel testified that he was not qualified to retrieve Autopilot data from the crashed vehicle and had never done so before, admitting that no one in Tesla’s service department is authorized to pull Autopilot logs. Callafel also acknowledged that an affidavit he signed, prepared by Tesla’s legal team, contained inaccuracies due to his oversight. Tesla driver George McGee admitted to becoming overly comfortable with the Autopilot system, believing it would assist him and prevent accidents, but stated that the system failed to warn him or apply brakes before the crash. Medical testimony focused on Dillon Angulo, the crash victim. Dr. Danielle Horn, a pain management specialist, described Angulo’s chronic pain conditions and diminished quality of life, noting that his pain was resistant to treatment and likely
robotautonomous-vehiclesTesla-Autopilotautomotive-technologyAI-in-transportationvehicle-safety-systemsself-driving-carsTesla Autopilot Crash Trial — Highlights from Opening Days - CleanTechnica
The trial in Florida concerning a fatal crash involving a Tesla vehicle operating on Autopilot began on July 14. The case centers on the claim by the estate of Benavides Leon, a bystander who died in the crash, that Tesla’s Autopilot system malfunctioned and was a proximate cause of the incident. Over the first three days, testimonies were heard from emergency responders, a Florida Highway Patrol officer, and an expert statistician, alongside depositions from a Tesla Autopilot firmware engineer. Notably, Corporal David Riso, the lead investigator, testified that Tesla did not provide the autonomous driving data from the vehicle, with a technician claiming the file was corrupted—a statement Riso disputed as untrue. Expert witness Dr. Mendel Singer criticized Tesla’s Vehicle Safety Report, highlighting a lack of independent validation and discrepancies in how Tesla counts crashes compared to non-Tesla vehicles. He pointed out that Tesla’s data incorrectly lumps all vehicle types together and that the company
robotautonomous-vehiclesTesla-Autopilotself-driving-technologyvehicle-safetyautomotive-roboticsAI-in-transportationEuropean Authorities Push Back On Tesla FSD - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the controversy surrounding Tesla's Full Self Driving (FSD) feature, particularly in Europe, where regulatory authorities are pushing back against Tesla's marketing and operational claims. Tesla markets FSD as a system requiring drivers to remain attentive, keep their hands on the wheel, and be ready to take control at any moment, which contrasts with many consumers' expectations of a fully autonomous driving experience. French authorities, specifically the DGCCRF, have found Tesla guilty of "deceptive commercial practices" related to FSD and other business practices, including issues with sales contracts and refund delays. Tesla has been given four months to address these concerns or face a daily fine of €50,000. The article also highlights Tesla's broader challenges in Europe, including stiff competition from European automakers and Chinese imports, as well as negative public perception linked to Elon Musk's controversial political activities. Musk is actively pressuring European regulators to approve FSD at a higher autonomy level, which would allow drivers to remove their
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslaself-driving-technologyautomotive-technologyAI-in-transportationregulatory-complianceWaymo Discusses How It Knows When Robotaxis Are Safe To Deploy - CleanTechnica
Waymo, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, has shared detailed insights into how it determines when its robotaxis are safe to deploy. With decades of testing and years of operating self-driving taxis, Waymo emphasizes that safety readiness involves a rigorous, evidence-based process applied not only when launching in new areas but also when introducing software updates or new vehicle platforms. The company uses twelve specific acceptance criteria to assess whether its Waymo Driver system meets safety requirements, mitigates known risks, and performs reliably in various environments. This multi-faceted approach combines qualitative and quantitative data to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of residual risk before deployment. Waymo highlights its transparency by publicly disclosing these criteria and its governance framework, which includes oversight by a Safety Framework Steering Committee and Safety Board to maintain accountability and manage risks in evolving conditions. The company aims to set an industry standard for operationalizing the concept of “absence of unreasonable risk,” addressing the current lack of consensus on deployment readiness in the autonomous vehicle sector. By sharing its methodology
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoself-driving-carsrobotaxi-safetyAI-in-transportationautonomous-driving-technology