Articles tagged with "mobility"
Autolane is building ‘air traffic control’ for autonomous vehicles
Autolane, a Palo Alto-based startup, is developing an “air traffic control” system for autonomous vehicles aimed at coordinating critical handoff moments such as pickup and drop-off locations. With $7.4 million in new funding from investors including Draper Associates and Hyperplane, Autolane plans to create both physical infrastructure—like signage at designated spots—and software to manage autonomous vehicle arrivals on private properties. The company has already partnered with Simon Property Group to implement this system at shopping centers in Austin and San Francisco, focusing initially on robotaxi services but with ambitions to support a broader range of autonomous vehicle tasks in the future. Autolane’s CEO, Ben Seidl, emphasizes that the startup operates as an “application layer” in the autonomous vehicle ecosystem, orchestrating and coordinating vehicle movements rather than building the vehicles or fundamental technology themselves. Seidl points to real-world challenges, such as a Waymo robotaxi getting stuck in a Chick-fil-A drive-through, as examples of the operational chaos
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxitransportation-infrastructuredriverless-technologymobilitysmart-citiesThe Kia PV5 Passenger Named ‘Family Car of the Year’ at the 2026 BBC TopGear.com Awards - CleanTechnica
The Kia PV5 Passenger model has been named ‘Family Car of the Year’ at the 2026 BBC TopGear.com Awards, marking the first time a purpose-built vehicle (PBV) has won a major consumer vehicle category. This accolade highlights Kia’s continued leadership in electrified family mobility, building on previous successes with its EV models such as the EV6, EV9, and EV3. The PV5, which also won the ‘2026 International Van of the Year,’ is recognized for its outstanding spaciousness, practical versatility, refined driving experience, and strong value proposition, setting a new standard for modern electric family vehicles. Built on Kia’s scalable Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) architecture, the PV5 Passenger offers a modular, electrified mobility solution tailored to diverse family needs. The five-seat model delivers MPV-level practicality within a compact footprint, featuring adaptable interior space with reclining and folding second-row seats, multiple storage options, and compatibility with accessories like roof racks. Review
energyelectric-vehiclesautomotive-technologymobilityelectric-mobilityEVclean-energyHyundai Motor Group & Michelin Partner to Accelerate Next-Generation Tire Technologies for Future Mobility - CleanTechnica
Hyundai Motor Group and Michelin have entered their third memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly accelerate the development of next-generation tire technologies tailored for future mobility needs. Building on prior collaborations from 2017 and 2022, this new three-year partnership focuses on research and development of extreme-low rolling resistance tires to improve fuel efficiency, as well as high-performance tires that enhance handling and safety. The collaboration also aims to advance tire technology specifically for premium electric vehicles (EVs), addressing demands for high performance, safety, extended driving range, and environmental sustainability. Key initiatives under this agreement include establishing a virtual tire development system for off-road applications and advancing SmartGrip technology to improve braking performance and efficiency. Hyundai Motor Group emphasizes leveraging the combined expertise of both companies to meet the evolving requirements of electric and autonomous vehicles, such as higher load capacity and superior driving dynamics. Previous MOUs contributed to innovations like tire technologies for the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and improvements in tire wear prediction and braking performance. This
energymaterialselectric-vehiclestire-technologymobilityautomotive-innovationsustainabilityWaymo IS Entering San Diego, and More - CleanTechnica
Waymo has officially announced plans to expand its fully autonomous robotaxi service to San Diego by mid-2026, marking a significant extension of its operations in California. Although some customers were initially confused by the announcement—mistaking the green-highlighted “DNV permitted area” on maps as current service zones—Waymo clarified that San Diego is a future market where it has recently received regulatory permission to operate fully autonomously. This expansion is part of Waymo’s broader rapid rollout strategy across multiple cities. In addition to San Diego, Waymo is currently laying the groundwork for commercial robotaxi services in Tampa, New Orleans, and Minneapolis. The company is actively engaging potential users for feedback and registrations to help shape its service areas. Waymo also continues to promote its technology and partnerships through frequent updates on social media, including collaborations with Metro Los Angeles to offer rider discounts and integrate Mobility Wallet, as well as sharing videos demonstrating the capabilities of its autonomous driving system. These announcements often appear on Twitter rather than
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoself-driving-carsAImobilitytransportation-technologyTechCrunch Mobility: Searching for the robotaxi tipping point
The article from TechCrunch Mobility discusses recent developments and the future outlook of robotaxi services, highlighting Waymo’s aggressive expansion plans. Waymo currently operates commercial robotaxi services in several U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco, and plans to begin manual driving phases in new cities next year as a step toward fully driverless deployment. By 2026, Waymo aims to launch services in additional major cities such as Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, and international markets including London and Tokyo. Other players like Tesla and Zoox are also making strides, with Tesla clearing regulatory hurdles and Zoox expanding its early rider program. Despite these advances, the article argues that robotaxis have not yet reached a societal tipping point where they fundamentally change transportation habits. Achieving this tipping point will require broader geographic saturation beyond tech-centric cities, competition to drive innovation and affordability, and the emergence of an ecosystem of supporting startups and businesses that benefit
robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclesWaymoself-driving-carsmobilitytransportation-technologyWaymo gets regulatory approval to expand across Bay Area and Southern California
Waymo, the autonomous robotaxi company, has received regulatory approval to significantly expand its operational territory across the Bay Area and Southern California. In the Bay Area, the approved regions now include most of the East Bay, North Bay (including Napa/Wine Country), and Sacramento. In Southern California, Waymo’s authorized area extends from Santa Clarita north of Los Angeles down to San Diego. However, the company still requires additional regulatory clearance before it can begin carrying paying passengers in some of these newly approved regions. While specific timelines for launching rides in all these areas remain unclear, Waymo announced plans to start offering rides in San Diego by mid-2026. This expansion aligns with the company’s broader strategy to launch services next year in multiple other cities including Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Nashville, Orlando, San Antonio, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. Recent company updates also highlight ongoing progress toward commercial launches in Miami and expanded operations in Los Angeles, San Francisco
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxiself-driving-carstransportation-technologymobilityZoox to begin offering robotaxi rides to public in San Francisco
Zoox, an Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company, is beginning to offer limited robotaxi rides to the public in San Francisco through its early rider program called Zoox Explorer. While the service is not yet a full commercial launch, select individuals from the waitlist will be invited to use the robotaxis for free within a small service area covering the SoMA, Mission, and Design districts. Zoox currently operates about 50 robotaxis in San Francisco and Las Vegas, and aims to eliminate the waitlist entirely by 2026 as it expands its fleet and coverage. The company’s custom-built, driverless vehicles—lacking steering wheels and pedals—have been tested in San Francisco since 2017. Zoox faces two main regulatory hurdles before commercial service can begin: obtaining a permit from the California Public Utilities Commission to charge for rides, and securing expanded approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to use its vehicles commercially. While NHTSA granted Zoox an exemption in
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiself-driving-technologyZooxmobilitytransportation-innovationTechCrunch Mobility: The robotaxi expansion that really matters
The article from TechCrunch Mobility highlights the significance of Waymo’s recent expansion of its robotaxi service onto freeways in major metropolitan areas like the San Francisco Bay Area, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. While Waymo has announced plans to enter numerous cities including Detroit, Las Vegas, and Washington, D.C., the author argues that freeway access is a more critical development. This expansion enables more efficient routing—potentially reducing ride times by up to 50%—and is essential for connecting key locations such as the San Francisco Airport, which Waymo is currently testing. This freeway-to-airport connectivity is seen as a pivotal moment for Waymo’s commercial viability, though the company’s profitability remains uncertain without access to its financials. The article also touches on other notable industry developments. Lucid Motors is reportedly close to naming a permanent CEO after nearly nine months with an interim leader, likely promoting Marc Winterhoff back to COO. In the autonomous vehicle sector, Swedish startup Einride is pursuing a SP
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiWaymotransportation-technologymobilityelectric-vehiclesThe Ride1Up Revv1 DRT - CleanTechnica Tested - CleanTechnica
The Ride1Up Revv1 DRT is an electric bike that blends the aesthetic of cafe racer motorcycles with modern features and knobby dirt tires, designed primarily for off-road fun and casual urban cruising. It comes factory-locked to class 1, 2, and 3 e-bike performance limits but can be unlocked to an off-road mode that removes speed and power restrictions, allowing speeds up to 35 mph. The bike features full suspension with adjustable front and rear shocks for comfort, though its motorcycle-style frame and fixed seat height make it less ergonomic and less suited for long-distance pedaling or commuting. Weighing 91 pounds, the Revv1 DRT is heavier than typical e-bikes but offers versatility through integrated molle panels for gear, optional second battery mounts to extend range, and accessories like storage cages, rear racks, and passenger kits. Its 1,000-watt Bafang rear hub motor provides strong power, especially in off-road mode, making it
energyelectric-bikese-bikesmobilityoff-road-vehiclesbattery-technologytransportationE-Bike & E-Scooter Mobility For Parents & Children - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the evolving role of e-bikes and e-scooters in family mobility, particularly for parents and children. Traditionally, scooters were seen as children's toys and e-bikes as adult transportation or recreation tools. However, advancements in battery and motor technology have expanded their use, enabling innovative solutions such as parents riding with multiple children on a single e-bike or using bike trailers to transport several kids at once. These setups not only provide practical ways to get children outdoors and practice riding but also serve as environmentally friendly alternatives to car trips, reducing reliance on SUVs or minivans for short errands and school runs. The author shares personal observations from Utah, where children are increasingly using e-scooters and e-bikes to commute to and from school, demonstrating that these devices are more than toys—they are effective, green transportation options for short distances. The article also touches on user-driven innovations rather than commercial products, emphasizing how families adapt existing technology to meet their needs. Additionally,
energyelectric-vehiclese-bikese-scootersmobilitygreen-transportationbatteriesSpiro Raises $100 Million in Africa’s Largest-Ever Investment in Electric Mobility - CleanTechnica
Spiro, a leading African electric two-wheeler and battery swapping company, has raised $100 million in what is reported as Africa’s largest-ever investment in electric mobility. This latest funding round, which includes $75 million from the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA) under Afreximbank, brings Spiro’s total funding to $280 million. The investment underscores strong confidence in Spiro’s mission to provide affordable, accessible, and sustainable mobility solutions across Africa, particularly through its battery-swapping ecosystem and electric motorcycles. Spiro aims to deploy over 100,000 electric motorcycles by 2025, representing a 400% year-over-year growth. The electric motorcycle sector in Africa is rapidly evolving, driven primarily by private startups addressing the high fuel and maintenance costs of internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles, which dominate the continent’s transport landscape. With an estimated 30 million ICE motorcycles serving last-mile logistics and taxi sectors, especially in East, Central, and West Africa,
energyelectric-vehicleselectric-motorcyclesAfricatransportationclean-energymobilityZoox chooses Washington DC as its next autonomous vehicle testbed
Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company Zoox has selected Washington D.C. as its next testing ground for self-driving technology, beginning with mapping the city’s streets using manually driven Toyota Highlanders equipped with its sensors and software. The company plans to start autonomous vehicle testing with human safety operators later this year, marking Washington D.C. as its eighth test site after expanding beyond its original Silicon Valley base to cities including Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, San Francisco, and Seattle. Zoox intends to grow its testing fleet gradually but has not disclosed specific numbers. Zoox is developing a commercial robotaxi service using custom-built autonomous vehicles that lack traditional controls like steering wheels or pedals. The company recently launched testing of these vehicles in Las Vegas, a key market where it has maintained a presence. Regulatory progress includes a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration exemption granted in August allowing Zoox to demonstrate its robotaxis on public roads for research purposes. Zoox has filed additional applications to expand this authorization, aiming
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-carsrobotaxitransportation-technologyAImobilityToyota Woven City Officially Launches as a Test Course for the Future of Mobility - CleanTechnica
Toyota Motor Corporation and Woven by Toyota, Inc. have officially launched Woven City, a real-world test course for future mobility located in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Initially unveiled at CES 2020, Woven City is designed as a living laboratory where innovation in mobility and related technologies can be developed and tested. The project centers around two key participant groups: Inventors and Weavers. Inventors include enterprises, startups, entrepreneurs, and research institutions collaborating to create new products and services through a concept called Kakezan, meaning “multiplication,” which emphasizes innovation through the convergence of diverse ideas and capabilities. Among the 20 Inventors is singer-songwriter Naoto Inti Raymi, who contributes a creative dimension by producing the city’s anthem and audio logo. The Weavers are the residents and visitors who live in and experience Woven City firsthand, providing essential feedback to shape ongoing innovations. Since September 2025, Toyota Group employees and their families have begun
robotIoTsmart-citymobilityinnovationToyotaurban-technologyVia raises $492.9M in IPO, and German automakers go on the offensive
The article highlights key developments in the transportation and automotive sectors, focusing on the recent IAA Mobility conference in Munich where German automakers Volkswagen Group, Mercedes, and BMW showcased new electric and technologically advanced vehicles. This event underscored Germany's intent to remain competitive against rising Chinese automakers like BYD, which have nearly doubled their market share in Europe. Notable vehicle launches include the all-electric Mercedes GLC, BMW iX3 equipped with advanced computing systems, and Volkswagen’s ID Polo and ID Cross concept. Additionally, Rimac Technology announced plans to release high-capacity batteries capable of rapid charging by late 2027, signaling ongoing innovation in electric vehicle components. In corporate news, Hyundai is reaffirming its commitment to the autonomous vehicle joint venture Motional after Aptiv’s early 2024 withdrawal. Hyundai is injecting significant capital—starting with approximately $452 million this year and additional funding next year—to sustain and expand Motional’s operations, while also maintaining a strategic relationship with Waymo.
energyelectric-vehiclesautomotive-technologybatteriesEV-chargingmobilityGerman-automakersZoox opens its Las Vegas robotaxi service to the public
Zoox, a company developing custom-built, all-electric autonomous robotaxis without steering wheels or pedals, has opened its Las Vegas robotaxi service to the public. While rides remain free for now, anyone over 18 can hail a Zoox vehicle via the company’s app at five designated pickup and drop-off points, including notable Las Vegas landmarks such as Resorts World, AREA15, Topgolf, New York New York, and Luxor. The service initially started as a limited pilot program earlier in 2023 and has since expanded its operational area along the Las Vegas Strip and nearby streets. Zoox plans to add more destinations in the coming months but must obtain regulatory approval before charging fares. The regulatory hurdle relates to a recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) decision allowing Zoox to demonstrate its unique vehicles on public roads despite lacking traditional vehicle controls like steering wheels. However, this exemption currently only permits demonstrations, not commercial operations. Zoox is also preparing for a similar public launch
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxielectric-vehiclestransportation-technologymobilityZooxLyft and May Mobility launch robotaxis in Atlanta
Lyft and May Mobility have launched a pilot robotaxi service in Atlanta, allowing riders to hail autonomous vehicles via the Lyft app. This marks the first commercial deployment in their partnership and represents Lyft’s latest effort to establish a foothold in the competitive robotaxi market, where rivals like Uber and Waymo have already introduced fully driverless rides in the city. The initial rollout features a small fleet of hybrid-electric Toyota Sienna Autono-MaaS vehicles operating during weekday daytime hours in Midtown Atlanta, with human safety operators present who may take control if necessary. Lyft and May Mobility plan to gradually expand the service to more vehicles, extended hours, and additional markets over time. The Atlanta launch follows Lyft’s recent announcement to introduce robotaxis in Europe next year and plans for a Dallas deployment in 2026, signaling a broader strategy to scale autonomous vehicle services. However, Lyft’s robotaxi ventures have faced challenges, including a previous partnership in Las Vegas that ended when the partner company folded. Meanwhile, May
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaximobilitytransportation-technologyself-driving-carsLyftNvidia is latest investor to back AV startup Nuro in $203M funding round
Nvidia has joined a group of new investors backing autonomous vehicle startup Nuro in a $203 million Series E funding round. The round includes $97 million from new investors such as Icehouse Ventures, Kindred Ventures, Nvidia, and Pledge Ventures, alongside existing backer Baillie Gifford. Uber also participated, contributing a “multi-hundred-million dollar” investment as part of a broader partnership involving electric car maker Lucid. Nvidia’s involvement follows years of technical collaboration, with Nuro utilizing Nvidia GPUs and the Drive AGX Thor platform for its self-driving software development. The total Series E funding includes an earlier $106 million tranche announced in April, bringing Nuro’s total raised capital to $2.3 billion with a post-money valuation of $6 billion—a 30% decrease from its $8.6 billion valuation in 2021. Nuro has undergone significant strategic shifts amid challenging economic conditions and industry consolidation. After layoffs in 2022 and 2023,
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-technologyNvidiaelectric-vehiclesAImobilityLyft to add autonomous shuttles in 2026 as Uber inks more self-driving deals
Lyft announced it will introduce autonomous shuttles manufactured by the Austrian company Benteler Group under its Holon brand to its network in late 2026. These shuttles, designed without steering wheels or pedals, will accommodate up to nine seated and six standing passengers with inward-facing seats. Initially, the deployment will focus on partnerships with U.S. cities and airports, with potential expansion depending on the program's success. The shuttles utilize Mobileye’s autonomous driving technology, although this collaboration is separate from Lyft’s other ongoing partnerships with autonomy providers. Meanwhile, Lyft’s main competitor, Uber, is aggressively expanding its autonomous vehicle offerings by incorporating robotaxis from multiple companies such as Waymo, WeRide, Baidu, Pony AI, and others across various global cities. Uber recently secured deals with Nuro and Lucid Motors as well. Despite years of testing, Lyft has yet to fully integrate autonomous vehicles into its fleet but plans to launch AV services using May Mobility vehicles in Atlanta later this
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-technologymobilitytransportation-innovationAIelectric-vehiclesLucid, Nuro, Uber team up on global robotaxi fleet
Lucid Group, Nuro, and Uber have partnered to launch a global robotaxi program exclusively available through the Uber app, with plans to debut the first service in a major U.S. city by next year. Uber intends to deploy over 20,000 Lucid electric Gravity SUVs equipped with Nuro’s SAE Level 4 autonomous driving system, the Nuro Driver, over six years across dozens of markets worldwide. These vehicles will be owned and operated by Uber or its third-party fleet partners. Uber is investing several hundred million dollars into both Lucid and Nuro as part of the collaboration. This partnership reflects Uber’s strategic shift from developing its own autonomous vehicle division to collaborating with third-party developers, allowing it to leverage its large user base while mitigating technical risks. Nuro, valued at $6 billion following a recent $106 million Series E funding round, provides advanced autonomous driving technology combining automotive-grade hardware and self-driving software. The company is currently focusing on expanding operations in Mountain View, California
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxielectric-vehiclesself-driving-technologymobilitytransportation-innovationTechCrunch Mobility: The cost of Waymo
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced plans to streamline the Part 555 exemption process, aiming to expedite approvals for automakers deploying fully self-driving vehicles without traditional human controls such as steering wheels or pedals. While manufacturers must still prove these vehicles meet equivalent safety standards and serve the public interest, the current exemption process is viewed as lengthy and ill-suited for automated driving systems. This move reflects a broader federal interest in accelerating autonomous vehicle deployment, alongside related regulatory actions on drones and supersonic travel. In industry news, JetZero, a zero-emissions jet startup backed by venture capital and major airlines, revealed plans to invest $4.7 billion over the next decade to build a factory in Greensboro, North Carolina, with construction starting in 2026 and deliveries expected in the early 2030s. The deal includes over $1.1 billion in state incentives tied to job creation. Meanwhile, an analysis by the app Obi found that Waymo’s self-driving rides consistently
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-carstransportation-technologymobilityautomotive-innovationNHTSA-regulationsPony.ai partners with Xihu to deploy 1k robotaxis in Shenzhen - The Robot Report
robotrobotaxiautonomous-drivingmobilityAItransportationfleet-managementTRON 1: China’s robot balances like Messi during moving truck test
robotroboticsbipedalbalancemobilitysensorscontrol-algorithmsRide Into Summer: Heybike’s 4th Anniversary Sale Offers Massive E-Bike Savings - CleanTechnica
energye-bikeelectric-vehiclesustainable-transportcommutingbattery-technologymobilityHumanoid robots evolve with 360° wheels, flexible controls from Korea
robothumanoid-robotsroboticsautomationmobilitytechnologyinnovationWaymo and Uber are giving some riders early access to Atlanta robotaxi service
robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclesWaymoUbertransportationmobilityNVIDIA accepts Ekso Bionics into its Connect program - The Robot Report
robotexoskeletonmobilityartificial-intelligencerehabilitationhuman-enhancementmedical-technologyRobot tự hành hai chân nhỏ nhất thế giới
robotroboticsautonomousCarnegie-Mellonmini-robotmobilitytechnologyUber investing $100M into WeRide to bring robotaxis to 15 cities
robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclesWeRideUbermobilitytransportationMeet The Lectric XP4: A Folding E-Bike That Doesn’t Compromise
energye-bikeelectric-vehiclesustainable-transportationbattery-technologyclean-energymobilityUber’s latest autonomous vehicle partner? Chinese startup Momenta
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-technologyride-hailingpartnershipstransportationmobilityAmpersand Leads The Charge As Electric Motorcycle Market Share Surges In Kigali, Rwanda
electric-vehicleselectric-motorcyclesmobilityclean-energyRwandasustainable-transportationelectric-mobilityToyota & Waymo Outline Strategic Partnership to Advance Autonomous Driving Deployment
robotautonomous-drivingmobilitypartnershiptechnologyinnovationvehicle