Articles tagged with "driverless-cars"
Waymo Launches Robotaxi Service in Miami - CleanTechnica
Waymo has officially launched its robotaxi service to the public in Miami, Florida’s second-largest city, following extensive testing. The initial service area covers 60 square miles, including prominent neighborhoods such as the Design District, Wynwood, Brickell, and Coral Gables, with plans to expand to Miami International Airport soon. The company reported that 10,000 residents have already signed up for the service. Waymo highlighted its safety record, citing over 127 million fully autonomous miles driven with a significant reduction in serious injury crashes compared to human drivers in its operating areas. The technology is designed to handle Miami’s challenging environmental conditions, including bright sunlight and sudden tropical rainstorms. Waymo emphasized its commitment to serving the diverse needs of Miami’s residents by collaborating with local organizations. The launch received positive endorsements from key figures, including Waymo’s co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana, Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Anthony Rodriguez, and Rachel Lamar from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD),
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiWaymotransportation-technologydriverless-carsmobility-innovationNew York governor clears path for robotaxis everywhere, with one notable exception
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans to introduce legislation that would legalize commercial robotaxi services across the state of New York, with the notable exception of New York City. The proposed legislation aims to expand the state’s existing autonomous vehicle (AV) pilot program to allow limited deployment of for-hire autonomous passenger vehicles outside the city. Companies seeking to operate robotaxis commercially would need to demonstrate local support and meet stringent safety standards, though specifics on these criteria and enforcement mechanisms remain unclear. Multiple state agencies, including the Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Transportation, and State Police, would be involved in oversight. Further details are expected in the governor’s executive budget proposal due January 20. The announcement was welcomed by industry players such as Waymo, which has long sought to operate robotaxis in New York but faced regulatory hurdles, especially in New York City. Current state law requires drivers to keep one hand on the wheel, conflicting with fully autonomous operation. While the state’s AV pilot program provides some
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiNew-York-legislationWaymotransportation-technologydriverless-carsTesla starts testing robotaxis in Austin with no safety driver
Tesla has begun testing its Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, without any safety drivers onboard, marking a significant milestone toward launching a fully commercial autonomous ride-hailing service. This development comes about six months after Tesla started limited testing with safety monitors present. CEO Elon Musk has long promised fully driverless Tesla vehicles, and this move positions Tesla to compete directly with established players like Waymo. However, Tesla’s testing has faced scrutiny, as its small Austin fleet has been involved in at least seven crashes since June, with limited public disclosure due to heavily redacted safety reports. Initially, Tesla offered rides with employees ready to intervene, gradually expanding the service area and increasing fleet size modestly to around 25-30 vehicles. Musk’s earlier ambitious targets—such as covering half the U.S. population with Robotaxis by the end of 2023—have been scaled back, with a recent claim of doubling the Austin fleet to about 60 vehicles. Unlike California, Texas regulations do not require multiple permits
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslarobotaxiAIdriverless-carstransportation-technologyTesla is testing Robotaxis without humans inside, Elon Musk confirms
Tesla has begun testing its robotaxi fleet in Austin, Texas, without human safety monitors inside the vehicles, marking a significant milestone in its pursuit of fully autonomous ride-hailing services. CEO Elon Musk confirmed the development following a viral video showing a Tesla Model Y driving driverless on Austin streets. Until now, Tesla’s robotaxis operated with a human safety monitor ready to intervene, but this new phase signals a move toward unsupervised operation. Tesla’s AI chief Ashok Elluswamy also acknowledged the start of this new testing phase on social media. Despite this advancement, safety concerns remain. Tesla’s robotaxis have historically required frequent human intervention during testing, and publicly available data—though heavily redacted—indicates a higher crash rate per mile compared to competitors like Waymo. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently reported four crashes involving Tesla robotaxis since September, including one collision with a fixed object in a parking lot. Tesla currently operates 31 robotaxis in Austin
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslarobotaxidriverless-carsAItransportation-technologyBaby delivered in Waymo continues proud tradition of not making it to the hospital
A pregnant woman in San Francisco gave birth inside a Waymo robotaxi while en route to UCSF Medical Center, continuing a long-standing tradition of babies arriving before reaching the hospital during rides. Waymo’s remote monitoring team detected unusual activity and called 911, but the autonomous vehicle still arrived at the hospital ahead of emergency services. This incident highlights how the phenomenon of in-transit births, previously seen in traditional taxis and ride-shares worldwide, now extends into the era of driverless cars. Waymo confirmed this was not their first such event, noting a prior birth occurred in one of their vehicles in Phoenix. The company described these occurrences as very rare but joked that some newborns simply can’t wait to take their first ride in a Waymo. Following the San Francisco birth, the vehicle was promptly removed for cleaning. This milestone underscores both the unpredictability of childbirth and the evolving role of autonomous vehicles in everyday life.
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymodriverless-carstransportation-technologyroboticssmart-mobilityWaymo enters 3 more cities: Minneapolis, New Orleans and Tampa
Waymo is expanding its autonomous vehicle operations to three new U.S. cities: Minneapolis, New Orleans, and Tampa. The company plans to begin manually driving its vehicles in these locations shortly to test and validate its driverless technology before launching commercial robotaxi services. These additions complement Waymo’s existing presence in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, Austin, and Atlanta, with further expansions planned for 2026 in numerous other major cities including Dallas, Denver, and Miami. Waymo is also testing in New York City and aims to start international commercial rides in London and Tokyo. The new cities present unique challenges for Waymo’s technology. Minneapolis’s harsh winter conditions and snow could complicate the vehicle’s perception and traction systems, while New Orleans’s narrow, pedestrian-heavy streets, especially in the French Quarter, require precise navigation. Waymo has partnered with local companies to operate its fleets in some cities, such as Uber in Austin and Atlanta, Moove in Phoenix and Miami, and Avis
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxiself-driving-technologyurban-mobilitydriverless-carsWorld’s first driverless race sees cars zip through at 155 mph
The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) hosted the world’s first fully driverless car Grand Final at Yas Marina Circuit, marking a significant milestone in artificial intelligence and robotics. Six autonomous racecars competed, with Germany’s TUM team winning the championship after a fiercely contested 20-lap race against Italy’s Unimore team. Both teams pushed their cars to speeds exceeding 155 mph (250 km/h), engaging in a close battle that lasted over half the race. A pivotal moment occurred when Unimore collided with a slower car while attempting an overtake, allowing TUM to regain and maintain the lead to secure victory. Despite the crash, Unimore earned the Fastest Lap Award, highlighting their competitive pace. The event was celebrated by prominent UAE officials, including Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Faisal Al Bannai, who emphasized the race’s role as a convergence of engineering disciplines and a testbed for accelerating autonomous technologies. Al Bannai described A2
roboticsautonomous-vehiclesAIdriverless-carsautonomous-racingartificial-intelligencerobotics-engineeringBeloved SF cat’s death fuels Waymo criticism
The death of Kit Kat, a beloved neighborhood bodega cat in San Francisco’s Mission District, after being struck by a Waymo robotaxi on October 27, 2025, has sparked significant local outcry and criticism of autonomous vehicle operations. Residents created a shrine to honor Kit Kat, and the area has seen competing signs—some condemning Waymo, others highlighting the many fatalities caused by human drivers. The incident has intensified debates about accountability and safety in the deployment of driverless cars. Jackie Fielder, a member of San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors representing the Mission District, is advocating for a city resolution that would empower local voters to decide whether driverless cars should be permitted in their neighborhoods. Fielder emphasized the lack of direct accountability with autonomous vehicles, contrasting it with human drivers who can be held responsible and confronted after incidents. Waymo responded by describing the event as the cat unexpectedly darting under the vehicle and expressed condolences to the cat’s owner and the community. The
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxidriverless-carsAI-safetyurban-transportationRemote driving startup Vay could grab up to $410M from Singapore’s Grab
Berlin-based remote driving startup Vay is poised to receive up to $410 million in investment from Singapore’s Grab, pending regulatory approval, with the deal expected to close by the end of 2026. An additional $350 million could be unlocked within the first year if Vay meets specific milestones related to U.S. market expansion, including regulatory approvals, city coverage, and consumer revenue targets. Vay’s technology enables human operators to remotely drive rental cars to customers, who then take over driving themselves, offering a hybrid alternative to traditional car ownership and ride-hailing services. This approach reduces costs compared to ride-hailing and eliminates parking concerns for users. Although Grab does not operate in the U.S., it plans to support Vay’s growth there amid increasing competition in remote driving, with companies like Waymo expanding their autonomous vehicle services. Grab views Vay’s service as complementary to robotaxis and aligned with its strategy to cater to consumers who prefer not to own cars. The partnership also aims to
robotautonomous-vehiclesremote-drivingmobility-technologyelectric-vehiclestransportation-innovationdriverless-carsIn US Autonomous Robotaxi Wars, It's Zoox 1, Tesla 0 - CleanTechnica
The article contrasts the current state of autonomous robotaxi development between Tesla and competitors like Zoox and Uber. Tesla recently revealed a futuristic robotaxi design resembling a low-slung two-seater sports coupe, which critics argue is impractical for a robotaxi due to its limited passenger and cargo space and difficult access. In contrast, companies like Zoox, backed by Jeff Bezos, focus on more functional designs—boxy vehicles with easy access, no driver controls, and optimized for passenger comfort and utility. Zoox notably received the first-ever Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) exemption for American-built driverless vehicles, allowing it to operate fully autonomous cars without steering wheels or pedals on public roads. Uber, meanwhile, is cautiously exploring autonomous vehicle (AV) technology through partnerships and pilot programs rather than committing heavily to building its own fleet of robotaxis. Uber’s CFO acknowledges that AVs are currently unprofitable, and the company is experimenting with various business models like revenue-sharing and software licensing
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiTeslaZooxdriverless-carsFMVSS-exemptionWaymo Teen Accounts Offer Peace of Mind for Phoenix Families - CleanTechnica
Waymo has launched a new service called Waymo teen accounts in Metro Phoenix, allowing teens aged 14-17 to travel independently using fully autonomous rides linked to a parent or guardian’s account. This program aims to provide teens with safe, reliable transportation while addressing common challenges such as safety risks, parental availability, and vehicle costs. Parents can invite their teens to join, monitor rides in real time, receive ride receipts, and access specially trained Rider Support agents who assist teens during trips and can contact parents if necessary. Early access feedback from Phoenix families highlights the program’s benefits in promoting teen independence and easing parental transportation burdens. For example, Crystal Whitlatch, a parent with epilepsy, values the service for enabling her daughter Mikaylee to travel autonomously, reducing reliance on family members. Another parent, Kseniya Schminke, a single mother, appreciates Waymo as a supportive partner in managing her children’s transportation needs. While currently limited to Metro Phoenix, Waymo plans to expand teen accounts
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymotransportation-technologyteen-safetysmart-mobilitydriverless-carsTesla launches robotaxi rides in Austin with big promises and unanswered questions
Tesla has initiated a limited robotaxi service in Austin, deploying fully autonomous Model Y SUVs that operate without a driver behind the wheel but with a Tesla employee seated in the front passenger seat as a “safety monitor.” This marks a significant milestone nearly ten years after CEO Elon Musk first promised such a service. The rollout involves about 10 vehicles operating within a confined area of South Austin, offering rides at a flat rate of $4.20. Customers invited to participate have accessed the service via a new Tesla robotaxi app, with operations running daily from 6 a.m. to midnight, though service may be limited during bad weather. Despite the launch, many details remain unclear or undisclosed. Tesla has provided limited information compared to competitors like Waymo, which operates commercial robotaxis with more transparency. Observers have noted cautious vehicle behavior, such as sudden braking near police vehicles, but the reasons remain unexplained. Tesla has also resisted public records requests related to the service, citing confidentiality and trade secrets
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslarobotaxiAIdriverless-carstransportation-technologyDriverless cars can now make better decisions, new technique validated
Researchers at North Carolina State University have validated a new technique to improve moral decision-making in driverless cars by applying the Agent-Deed-Consequences (ADC) model. This model assesses moral judgments based on three factors: the agent’s character or intent, the deed or action taken, and the consequences of that action. The study involved 274 professional philosophers who evaluated a range of low-stakes traffic scenarios, focusing on everyday driving decisions rather than high-profile ethical dilemmas like the trolley problem. The researchers aimed to collect quantifiable data on how people judge the morality of routine driving behaviors to better train autonomous vehicles (AVs) in making ethical choices. The study found that all three components of the ADC model significantly influenced moral judgments, with positive attributes in the agent, deed, and consequences leading to higher moral acceptability. Importantly, these findings were consistent across different ethical frameworks, including utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics, suggesting a broad consensus on what constitutes moral behavior in traffic
robotautonomous-vehiclesAI-ethicsdriverless-carsmoral-decision-makingtraffic-safetyAI-trainingWeek in Review: WWDC 2025 recap
The Week in Review covers major developments from WWDC 2025 and other tech news. At Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, the company showcased updates across its product lineup amid pressure to advance its AI capabilities and address ongoing legal challenges related to its App Store. Meanwhile, United Natural Foods (UNFI) suffered a cyberattack that disrupted its external systems, impacting Whole Foods’ ability to manage deliveries and product availability. In financial news, Chime successfully went public, raising $864 million in its IPO. Other highlights include Google enhancing Pixel phones with new features like group chat for RCS and AI-powered photo editing, and Elon Musk announcing the imminent launch of driverless Teslas in Austin, Texas. The Browser Company is pivoting from its Arc browser to develop an AI-first browser using a reasoning model designed for improved problem-solving in complex domains. OpenAI announced a partnership with Mattel, granting Mattel employees access to ChatGPT Enterprise to boost product development and creativity. However, concerns about privacy surfaced with
robotAIautonomous-vehiclesdriverless-carsmachine-learningartificial-intelligenceautomationA Waymo Costs More, But People Love It - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica examines pricing and consumer preferences among app-based taxi services in San Francisco, focusing on Waymo, Uber, and Lyft. Data collected by the app Obi from March 25 to April 25 reveals that Waymo’s autonomous rides are consistently more expensive—about $9.50 to $11 more during peak demand—compared to UberX and Lyft. Despite the higher cost, Waymo maintains strong customer interest, with many riders willing to pay a premium for the novelty and technology of driverless cars. Obi’s survey found that 70% of Waymo users prefer driverless vehicles over human-driven ones, and roughly 43% of respondents indicated they would pay more to ride in a Waymo. The article also highlights operational differences influencing pricing. Uber and Lyft benefit from dynamic pricing models refined over years and a flexible driver-owned vehicle fleet that adjusts supply during high-demand periods, helping to moderate costs. In contrast, Waymo operates a fixed fleet of autonomous vehicles and
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymodriverless-carstransportation-technologyride-hailingmobility-innovationMusk targets June 22 launch of Tesla’s long-promised robotaxi service
Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that the company aims to launch its long-promised robotaxi service offering public rides in fully driverless Tesla vehicles in Austin, Texas, starting June 22, 2025. However, Musk noted the date could change due to Tesla’s cautious approach to safety. The initial fleet will be small, around 10 vehicles, and geofenced to the safest parts of Austin. Recent sightings of Tesla Model Y SUVs operating without drivers in the seat indicate ongoing testing of the new "unsupervised" Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, which Musk claims enables Teslas to drive without human supervision. This launch marks a significant shift from Musk’s earlier promises of a general-purpose, fully autonomous driving system available nationwide. Instead, Tesla is adopting a more localized, cautious rollout strategy similar to Waymo’s approach. Despite Musk’s claim that every new Tesla is now capable of unsupervised driving, this contrasts with his 2016 statement that all Teslas had the
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslarobotaxiself-driving-technologyFull-Self-Drivingdriverless-cars