Articles tagged with "robotaxis"
New ‘KnoWay’ robotaxis cause chaos in upcoming Grand Theft Auto Online DLC
The latest Grand Theft Auto Online expansion, titled “A Safehouse in the Hills,” introduces robotaxis from a fictional company called “KnoWay.” These autonomous vans, resembling early Waymo Chrysler Pacifica models, are depicted causing chaos by swerving through traffic, crashing into vehicles, and destroying billboards. The DLC, releasing December 10, features a storyline involving an AI assistant named “Haviland” and centers on players attempting to thwart the development of a mass surveillance network, suggesting the rogue behavior of the robotaxis is part of the narrative. Rockstar Games appears to draw inspiration from real-world controversies surrounding Waymo’s autonomous vehicles, which have faced criticism for privacy concerns and have been targeted by vandalism in various cities. The game’s tagline for KnoWay’s service, “We Kno where you’re going,” echoes surveillance anxieties. While Waymo has publicly committed to resisting unlawful government data requests and condemned vandalism against its fleet, the game’s chaotic portrayal taps into ongoing tensions
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxisAI-assistantsurveillanceWaymogaming-technologyNew ‘KnoWay’ robotaxis cause chaos in new Grand Theft Auto Online DLC
The latest Grand Theft Auto Online expansion, titled “A Safehouse in the Hills,” introduces robotaxis from a fictional company called “KnoWay.” These autonomous vans, visually reminiscent of early Waymo Chrysler Pacifica models, are depicted causing chaos by swerving recklessly, crashing into vehicles, and destroying billboards. The DLC, available from December 10, features a storyline where players are tasked with stopping the development of a mass surveillance network, hinting that the robotaxis may have gone rogue. An AI assistant named “Haviland” is also teased, suggesting a broader tech-centric narrative. Rockstar Games appears to be drawing on real-world controversies surrounding autonomous vehicle companies like Waymo, whose vehicles have faced criticism and vandalism due to privacy concerns and their perceived role in surveillance. The in-game tagline for KnoWay’s service—“We Kno where you’re going”—echoes these privacy anxieties. Waymo has publicly opposed overly broad government requests for data and condemned vandalism against
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxisAI-assistanttransportation-technologysurveillanceWaymoHow Many Robotaxis Are Crashing? Digging Into Some Data - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica examines available data on crashes involving robotaxis and vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), highlighting the challenges in interpreting these statistics due to incomplete information. It distinguishes between Automated Driving Systems (ADS), which cover SAE Levels 3 through 5 and aim for full autonomous driving within specific conditions, and Level 2 ADAS, which assist with speed and steering but require constant human driver engagement. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandates crash reporting for both systems, with stricter criteria for ADS due to its higher automation level, but the data only extends through October 15, 2025, and lacks context such as miles driven with these systems active. A key observation is the notably higher number of crashes involving Tesla vehicles with Autopilot or Full Self-Driving (FSD) engaged compared to other automakers’ ADAS-equipped cars. The article suggests this could be due to Tesla drivers using these features more extensively and perhaps overestimating
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxisadvanced-driver-assistance-systemsADSADASvehicle-automation"Big Short" Investor Michael Burry Says Tesla "Ridiculously Overvalued" - CleanTechnica
Michael Burry, the investor known for "The Big Short," has publicly stated that Tesla is "ridiculously overvalued," a position he elaborated on in his newly launched Substack column. Burry criticizes Tesla's stock-based compensation practices, arguing that these costs are not properly accounted for under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). He contends that Tesla dilutes shareholders by about 3.6% annually without conducting buybacks, which, when factored into true profit calculations, should lead to a lower valuation for the company. This perspective aligns with Warren Buffett’s earlier criticism of stock-based compensation as a real expense that companies often obscure. The article also highlights Tesla’s current critical juncture related to its Full Self Driving (FSD) technology. While some investors are optimistic that achieving truly driverless capabilities will dramatically increase vehicle demand and revenue, the technology faces significant challenges, including rising hardware and AI costs and recent accidents involving Tesla’s limited robotaxi fleet. The company is under
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslaFull-Self-DrivingAIdriverless-technologyrobotaxisTesla Appears to Have 29 Robotaxis in Operation in Austin - CleanTechnica
Tesla currently has approximately 29 robotaxis operating in Austin, Texas, according to a crowdsourced tracker based on license plate documentation. These vehicles are not fully autonomous yet, as human safety drivers are still present to prevent accidents, although several crashes have been reported recently. Tesla has not publicly disclosed the size of its robotaxi fleet before, making this crowdsourced data a rare insight into the program’s scale. Additionally, Tesla operates about 106 test robotaxis in the San Francisco Bay Area for employees. Tesla had initially targeted having 500 robotaxis in Austin by the end of 2025, a goal that now appears unlikely to be met. Deutsche Bank has projected a more optimistic scenario, estimating up to 1,500 robotaxis across Austin and San Francisco by 2026. A key uncertainty remains around when Tesla will remove human safety drivers from these vehicles, a milestone originally planned for December 2025 in Austin. Given the recent accident reports, this timeline seems doubtful, raising questions about the
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslarobotaxisself-driving-technologytransportationAIWaymo removes safety drivers in Miami ahead of 2026 launch
Waymo has begun removing safety drivers from its autonomous robotaxi fleet in Miami, marking a significant step toward its planned commercial launch in 2026. Starting immediately, fully driverless rides will be offered to employees in Miami, with similar rollouts scheduled soon in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando. This move follows Waymo’s recent milestone of providing paid autonomous rides on highways in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix. Throughout 2023, Waymo has expanded aggressively, launching services in cities like Atlanta and Austin, partnering with companies such as Uber, and introducing a corporate travel program. Waymo faces growing competition in the U.S. robotaxi market from companies like Amazon-owned Zoox, which is offering free rides to early users in San Francisco and Las Vegas, and Tesla, which is testing its own service in Austin but still requires safety operators. Despite these challenges, Waymo expresses strong confidence in its technology and operational expertise, aiming to offer rides in additional cities including Detroit,
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxisself-driving-technologytransportation-technologymobility-innovationWhen trust in robotics comes down to the Internet connection - The Robot Report
The article from The Robot Report highlights the critical role of connectivity in the expanding integration of industrial robotics into daily life, emphasizing that reliable communications networks are essential for the successful deployment and acceptance of robotic technologies. It notes that robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence are increasingly solving complex industrial challenges, with applications becoming more common in public and commercial settings. Examples include robotaxis in cities like San Francisco and Phoenix, where autonomous vehicles have shifted from novelty to normalized transportation; the extensive use of robots in e-grocery and e-commerce fulfillment centers, such as Amazon’s rapid growth in industrial robot deployment; and the evolution of robot-assisted surgery toward telesurgery, enabling remote surgical procedures via robotic arms controlled over long distances. A key takeaway is that while robotics technology has matured to meet business and consumer demands, its effectiveness and societal acceptance heavily depend on ultra-reliable, low-latency connectivity provided by advanced communications networks. The article stresses that in high-stakes applications—such as robot-assisted surgery—any connectivity failure could
roboticsindustrial-roboticsIoTrobotaxisautomationtelesurgerydrone-deliveryWaymo is bringing its robotaxis to Las Vegas, San Diego, and Detroit - The Robot Report
Waymo has announced the expansion of its autonomous ride-hailing service to three new U.S. cities: Las Vegas, San Diego, and Detroit. The company began driving its fleet—comprising Jaguar I-PACE and Zeekr RT vehicles equipped with its sixth-generation Waymo Driver—in these cities, with plans to start rider services in San Diego in 2025 and Las Vegas in mid-2026; no timeline was provided for Detroit. This expansion follows Waymo’s recent announcement to launch robotaxi services in London in 2026 and ongoing international testing in Tokyo. Domestically, Waymo currently operates in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin, having driven over 100 million fully autonomous miles and provided more than 10 million paid rides. The company aims to further expand to cities including Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, and Nashville. A significant focus of Waymo’s development is adapting its technology for challenging weather conditions, particularly snow, which none of its current operational cities
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxisself-driving-technologysensorsautonomous-drivingUber, NVIDIA, & Stellantis Team Up On Robotaxis & AI - CleanTechnica
Uber has announced a strategic partnership with NVIDIA and Stellantis to accelerate the development of robotaxis and autonomous delivery fleets. Leveraging NVIDIA’s AI architecture, including the DRIVE AGX Hyperion platform and DriveOS operating system designed for Level 4 autonomy, Uber aims to expand its global autonomous vehicle fleet to 5,000 fully self-driving vehicles, though no specific timeline has been provided. This collaboration will utilize over 3 million hours of robotaxi-specific driving data for training and validation, with NVIDIA supplying GPUs and tools for data management, simulation, and continuous improvement of the autonomy software stack. The partnership is part of a broader ecosystem involving multiple companies such as Aurora, Motional, Waymo, and others, reflecting the increasingly competitive and crowded landscape of self-driving technology development. Both Uber and NVIDIA emphasize the transformative potential of autonomous mobility for urban environments and highlight their combined capabilities in AI and data processing as critical to advancing profitable deployment of autonomous vehicles. The article also raises questions about market dynamics, pondering whether
robotautonomous-vehiclesAINVIDIA-DRIVEself-driving-technologyrobotaxisUberSan Francisco mayor: ‘We should be the testbed for emerging tech’
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie expressed strong support for the city to serve as a leading testbed for emerging technologies, including autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, and healthcare tech. Speaking at TechCrunch Disrupt, Lurie highlighted the presence of Waymo and Zoox robotaxis on city streets and welcomed the upcoming entry of Uber’s autonomous vehicle services through partnerships with Lucid and Nuro. He emphasized that while San Francisco embraces innovation, safety remains a priority, noting that autonomous vehicle regulation is managed at the state level by the California Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Public Utilities Commission. Lurie contrasted San Francisco’s openness with other cities like Boston, which have considered banning autonomous vehicles, and pointed to Waymo’s proven safety record and its appeal to tourists as positive examples. Despite some opposition, such as from the Teamsters Union concerned about job impacts from self-driving trucks, Lurie maintained an optimistic stance on technology’s potential to bring jobs and investment to the city. He concluded by affirming San Francisco
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxisemerging-technologyAItransportation-technologyurban-mobilityNVIDIA Now Working On Its Own Robotaxis - CleanTechnica
NVIDIA, long a key hardware and software provider for autonomous vehicle developers, is now reportedly developing its own robotaxi service. The company has supported numerous automakers and robotaxi firms—including Cruise, Zoox, DiDi, Pony.ai, and AutoX—by supplying its DRIVE AGX platform and acquiring mapping specialist DeepMap to enhance its full self-driving capabilities. Over the past several years, the robotaxi market has matured significantly, with companies like Waymo and various Chinese operators running commercial services in multiple cities. Building on its extensive experience and partnerships with automakers such as BYD, Jaguar Land Rover, Lucid, Mercedes-Benz, Rivian, Tesla, and others, NVIDIA is leveraging its DRIVE AGX Thor system and continuous neural networks to develop a proprietary robotaxi system. The project, reportedly led by Ruchi Bhargava and announced internally at an all-hands meeting, reflects CEO Jensen Huang’s belief that robotaxis represent a trillion-dollar opportunity and the first major commercial application of robotics
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxisNVIDIAself-driving-technologyAIautomotive-technologyStellantis teams up with Pony.ai to develop robotaxis in Europe
Automaker Stellantis and Chinese autonomous vehicle firm Pony.ai have entered a non-binding agreement to develop robotaxis for the European market. The partnership will integrate Pony.ai’s self-driving software into Stellantis’s electric medium-size van platform, specifically starting with the Peugeot e-Traveller model equipped with advanced sensors for autonomous driving. Initial testing is set to begin soon in Luxembourg, which serves as Pony.ai’s European headquarters, with plans to expand deployment to other European cities by 2026. This collaboration follows Pony.ai’s recent partnership with Uber to deploy autonomous vehicles in international markets, including Europe and the Middle East, and comes shortly after Pony.ai received an autonomous vehicle testing permit from Luxembourg in April. As Pony.ai aims to grow beyond its established presence in China and increase its footprint in Europe, the company is also pursuing a secondary IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, complementing its existing Nasdaq listing.
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxisself-driving-softwareelectric-vehiclessensorsmobility-technologyLucid Motors sets record as Gravity sales pick up and tax credit expires
Lucid Motors reported a record delivery of 4,078 vehicles in the third quarter of 2025, driven by increased sales of its Gravity SUVs and a surge in customers seeking to benefit from the expiring federal EV tax credit. This marks the seventh consecutive quarter of rising deliveries for the Saudi-owned luxury electric vehicle maker, although it remains behind the ambitious targets set during its 2021 public offering, which raised $4 billion. The company’s growth mirrors a broader industry trend, with Tesla, Ford, General Motors, and even Rivian experiencing significant third-quarter sales increases. Despite these gains, Lucid’s reliance on leased vehicles for tax credit eligibility complicates the assessment of the credit’s impact, and detailed breakdowns of Gravity versus Air sedan deliveries have not been disclosed. The company continues to expand its market presence, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where it has produced over 1,000 vehicles and plans to establish a full manufacturing facility. Additionally, Lucid secured a notable partnership with Uber,
energyelectric-vehiclesautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxisLucid-MotorsEV-tax-creditautomotive-technologyWaymo to test robotaxis with safety drivers in NYC
Waymo has received a permit from the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) to test up to eight autonomous robotaxis with safety drivers in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn until late September 2025. This marks the first time NYC has authorized testing of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in the city. Waymo must coordinate closely with the DOT, including regular meetings and data reporting, and certify adherence to cybersecurity best practices. The company has also secured necessary permits from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. However, current New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) regulations prohibit the use of AVs for for-hire services without a TLC license, meaning Waymo faces regulatory hurdles before launching a paid robotaxi service. Waymo, a leader in the robotaxi industry, has surpassed 100 million fully autonomous miles and provided over 10 million fully autonomous rides across cities like Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin. The company is expanding into new terrains with plans to launch
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxisWaymoself-driving-carsurban-mobilitytransportation-technologyFederal regulators give Zoox an exemption for its custom-built robotaxis
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has granted Zoox, an Amazon-owned company, an exemption to demonstrate its custom-built robotaxis on public roads, resolving a prior investigation into whether Zoox had circumvented federal motor vehicle safety standards. These standards typically require vehicles to have manual controls such as steering wheels and pedals, which Zoox’s autonomous vehicles lack. Zoox had self-certified compliance in 2022, but NHTSA questioned this and launched an investigation in March 2023. Despite the probe, Zoox continued testing its vehicles—without traditional controls—near its Fremont, California headquarters and expanded testing to other locations, including limited rides for employees and early public riders in Las Vegas. The exemption allows Zoox to demonstrate but not yet commercially operate its robotaxis. This decision aligns with NHTSA’s new national framework, the ADS-Equipped Vehicle Safety, Transparency and Evaluation Program, designed to streamline the approval process for autonomous vehicles lacking manual controls. The framework facilitates
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxisZooxNHTSA-exemptionvehicle-safety-standardsself-driving-technologyLyft and China’s Baidu look to bring robotaxis to Europe next year
Lyft has announced a strategic partnership with Chinese tech giant Baidu to bring Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous vehicles to several European markets, targeting launches in Germany and the United Kingdom in 2026, subject to regulatory approval. Baidu’s RT6 robotaxis, equipped with its Apollo Go self-driving system, will be integrated into Lyft’s ride-hailing app, exemplifying Lyft’s “hybrid network approach” that combines autonomous vehicles (AVs) with human drivers to enhance rider options. This move marks a significant expansion for Lyft, which has historically focused on the U.S. market. Earlier in 2025, Lyft entered the European market by acquiring the German multi-mobility app FREENOW from BMW and Mercedes-Benz Mobility, enabling its expansion beyond the U.S. and Canada. Lyft and Uber, both having discontinued their internal autonomous vehicle programs, are now competing to form partnerships with AV technology companies like Baidu. While Uber has partnered with over 18 companies to develop its robot
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxisLyftBaiduself-driving-technologytransportation-innovationTechCrunch Mobility: Uber makes a bet on premium robotaxis
The article from TechCrunch Mobility highlights Uber’s significant investment and strategic focus on autonomous vehicle (AV) technology, particularly in premium robotaxi services. Over the past two years, Uber has formed partnerships across various AV sectors, including delivery and trucking. Recently, Uber invested $300 million in EV maker Lucid and reportedly over $400 million in AV startup Nuro, signaling a strong commitment to expanding its presence in the autonomous mobility market. This move underscores Uber’s ambition to secure a substantial share of the emerging robotaxi industry. Additionally, the article touches on other notable developments in the AV and mobility space. Boris Sofman, formerly of Waymo’s self-driving trucks program, co-founded Bedrock Robotics, a startup focused on autonomous heavy equipment for construction, backed by investors like Eclipse and 8VC. Other funding news includes Amogy’s $80 million raise for ammonia-to-power technology applicable to shipping, and Gridserve’s $134 million funding round for mobile EV charging in the U.K. The
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiselectric-vehiclesself-driving-trucksmobility-technologytransportation-innovationUber, Lucid, & Nuro Join Forces To Create Robotaxis - CleanTechnica
Uber has announced a new partnership with electric vehicle maker Lucid and autonomous driving technology company Nuro to develop and deploy robotaxis in major U.S. cities starting in 2026. The collaboration aims to introduce up to 20,000 Lucid Gravity electric vehicles equipped with Nuro’s Level 4 self-driving system into Uber’s ride-hailing fleet over the next six years. These vehicles will be owned and operated by Uber or third-party fleet partners and exclusively accessible through the Uber platform. This initiative marks Uber’s renewed commitment to robotaxis after a fatal accident involving one of its prototypes in 2018, with the company planning to invest hundreds of millions of dollars into the partnership. The Lucid Gravity is particularly suited for robotaxi service due to its 450-mile range, which reduces downtime for charging and increases operational efficiency. Nuro’s AI-first autonomous system, proven through years of driverless deployments, will be integrated with Lucid’s advanced vehicle architecture, which features fully redundant zonal
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiselectric-carsself-driving-technologyUberLucid-MotorsReader Responses to Critique of Tesla Market Cap - CleanTechnica
The article critiques Tesla's market capitalization, arguing it is excessively inflated and disconnected from the company's recent performance. Despite Tesla's historically strong market position and rapid growth, the author notes that sales have been declining for the past year and a half, contradicting CEO Elon Musk's predictions and undermining the narrative of Tesla as a hypergrowth company. The inflated market cap is attributed to investor greed—hoping for a resurgence in stock value—and fantasy-driven expectations around futuristic products like humanoid robots and robotaxis. The author emphasizes that recent financial results do not support the high valuation. Reader responses to the critique highlight deeper psychological and cultural factors behind Tesla's valuation. One commenter suggests that many investors have developed a fixed belief in Tesla as a technological and environmental savior, despite evidence to the contrary, and that this belief has become a kind of personal "truth" that is defended even when challenged. This mindset makes it difficult for investors to reassess Tesla's actual performance and competitive position. Another response points out
robotTeslahumanoid-robotsrobotaxistechnologymarket-capelectric-vehiclesTesla’s robotaxis have already caught the attention of federal safety regulators
Federal safety regulators, specifically the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), have contacted Tesla following the launch of its branded robotaxi service in South Austin. This outreach came after numerous online videos appeared to show Tesla robotaxis violating traffic laws, including speeding and sudden, unexplained braking near police vehicles. NHTSA confirmed it is gathering additional information and emphasized its role in enforcing vehicle safety laws through a data-driven, risk-based investigative process, noting that it does not pre-approve new vehicle technologies but investigates potential safety defects after incidents are reported. Tesla’s robotaxi service, which began rides for invited customers, represents the first real-world test of the company’s autonomous vehicle technology. Unlike Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software sold to vehicle owners—which requires driver supervision—the robotaxis use an unsupervised version of FSD, although Tesla has not disclosed specific software details. Despite the autonomous operation, a human safety monitor is present in the front passenger seat during rides
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslarobotaxistransportation-technologyvehicle-safetydriver-assistance-systemsWeRide Partners with Uber to Provide Robotaxis in Dubai - CleanTechnica
WeRide, a company developing autonomous vehicle technology, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Uber to advance robotaxi services in Dubai. This partnership aims to support Dubai’s ambitious goal of making 25% of all transportation trips autonomous by 2030, aligning with the city’s Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy. The initial phase will involve pilot operations with safety drivers onboard, with plans to launch autonomous vehicle services in Dubai by 2025, starting with WeRide as Uber’s first technology partner in the region. The collaboration highlights Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global leader in smart, sustainable mobility by embracing cutting-edge technologies. WeRide, which already holds autonomous driving permits in China, the USA, the UAE, Singapore, and France, is accelerating its international expansion with the Middle East as a strategic priority. While WeRide’s autonomous vehicle operations remain relatively small compared to competitors like Waymo in the US and several Chinese companies
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxissmart-transportationDubaiUbermobility-innovationWaymo robotaxis are pushing into even more California cities
Waymo is significantly expanding its robotaxi service area across California, adding 80 square miles in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Silicon Valley. This growth brings the total commercial service area to over 250 square miles, introducing driverless Jaguar I-Pace vehicles to new neighborhoods in three major metro regions. Despite recent setbacks—including vandalism and arson of Waymo vehicles during immigration-related protests in Los Angeles, which led to temporary service reductions—the company continues to push forward with its expansion plans. Waymo is still limiting service in some parts of Los Angeles, such as downtown, but plans to monitor conditions and gradually restore full operations. The expansion includes new service availability in Bay Area communities like Brisbane, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, and Silicon Valley towns Palo Alto and Menlo Park. In Los Angeles, the service now covers Playa del Rey, Ladera Heights, Echo Park, Silver Lake, and the full stretch of Sunset Boulevard, connecting
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxisdriverless-technologyurban-mobilitytransportation-innovationShould We Be Afraid Of Driverless Vehicles On Our Roads? - CleanTechnica
robotautonomous-vehiclesdriverless-technologyTeslarobotaxisAItransportationIf Tesla Falls, Would That Hurt The EV Revolution? - CleanTechnica
robotEVTeslarobotaxisenergyclean-technologyautomotiveWaymo recalls 1,200 robotaxis following low-speed collisions with gates and chains
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxissoftware-updatetransportationsafetySurging Solar Power, Booming EV Sales, & Robotaxi Safety — Top 12 Stories of the Week
robotIoTenergysolar-powerelectric-vehiclesrobotaxisclean-technologyWaymo Robotaxis Are Much Safer — Part Deux
robotWaymorobotaxisautonomous-vehiclestraffic-safetycrash-reductionpedestrian-safetyMay Mobility to launch robotaxis on Uber platform this year in Texas
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxisMay-MobilityUberself-driving-technologytransportation