Articles tagged with "self-driving-technology"
Waymo to issue software recall over how robotaxis behave around school buses
Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous vehicle company, plans to voluntarily issue a software recall with federal safety regulators concerning how its robotaxis behave around school buses. This decision follows scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and criticism from officials in Atlanta and Austin after incidents where Waymo vehicles improperly maneuvered around stopped school buses with extended stop signs and flashing lights. NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened an inquiry in October after footage showed a Waymo robotaxi crossing in front of a stopped school bus in Atlanta. Similar incidents were reported in Austin, where Waymo operates with Uber, prompting further regulatory attention. Waymo updated its software on November 17, claiming the update improved performance beyond that of human drivers in these scenarios. However, Austin school officials reported multiple illegal passes by Waymo vehicles even after the update, leading NHTSA to request more information from the company. Despite no injuries linked to these behaviors, Waymo’s Chief Safety Officer Mauricio Peña emphasized the
robotautonomous-vehiclessoftware-recallWaymoself-driving-technologytransportation-safetyNHTSAWaymo Now on DoorDash ... - CleanTechnica
Waymo has partnered with DoorDash to launch fully autonomous delivery services in the Phoenix metro area, starting with DashMart locations. Customers selecting the Standard delivery option on the DoorDash app may have their orders delivered by Waymo’s self-driving vehicles. When assigned a Waymo vehicle, customers receive instructions via the app to unlock the trunk and retrieve their order, streamlining the autonomous delivery process. This initiative marks a significant step in integrating autonomous technology into local commerce, although it raises concerns about the impact on human delivery jobs. The service currently focuses on DashMart deliveries, with plans to expand to more local merchants in the future. Phoenix, known for its favorable weather conditions for self-driving technology, continues to be a primary testing ground and launch city for Waymo’s innovations. The article also speculates on the potential expansion of this partnership to other cities where Waymo’s robotaxi services are active or soon to be active, including major markets like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, and Atlanta. This
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymodelivery-robotsself-driving-technologyDoorDashurban-mobilityFeds ask Waymo about robotaxis repeatedly passing school buses in Austin
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has requested detailed information from Waymo regarding its self-driving system and operations after the Austin School District reported 19 instances in 2025-26 where Waymo’s robotaxis illegally passed stopped school buses. This inquiry follows an ongoing investigation initiated in October 2025 by NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), triggered by footage showing a Waymo autonomous vehicle maneuvering dangerously around a stopped school bus in Atlanta. Waymo acknowledged the incident, attributing it to limited visibility caused by the bus partially blocking a driveway, and subsequently issued a software update aimed at improving safety. Despite this, the Austin School District reported continued violations, including at least five occurrences after the November 17 software update. Waymo maintains that safety is its top priority and claims its robotaxis have significantly reduced injury-related crashes compared to human drivers. The company asserts that its software updates have meaningfully improved performance, surpassing human driver safety in this area
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoself-driving-technologytraffic-safetysoftware-updatesNHTSAUber and Avride launch robotaxi service in Dallas
Uber and Avride have launched a commercial robotaxi service in Dallas, marking the first deployment of Avride-branded autonomous vehicles through the Uber app. The service currently operates within a limited 9-square-mile area including downtown Dallas and features a human safety operator behind the wheel, with plans to transition to fully driverless operations and expand the service area in the future. The robotaxi fleet consists of all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 vehicles equipped with Avride’s self-driving technology, and riders requesting UberX, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric may be matched with a robotaxi at no additional cost. Users can accept or decline the robotaxi option and interact with the vehicle via the Uber app. This launch is part of Uber’s broader strategy to integrate autonomous vehicles into its ride-hailing network, following a year of multiple partnerships and investments in AV technology companies such as Waymo, WeRide, and Nuro. Uber currently offers autonomous rides in several cities and aims to have AVs available
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiself-driving-technologyelectric-vehiclesUberAvrideTesla 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-technologytransportationAITesla FSD News from Around the World — 9 Updates - CleanTechnica
The article provides a global update on Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, highlighting its steady improvement over the past several years and its current supervised operation status across multiple countries including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and recently South Korea. While Tesla FSD has not yet reached fully unsupervised operation worldwide, incremental progress continues, with mixed perceptions depending on one’s stance on the technology. Tesla has begun offering supervised FSD ride-alongs in Germany, Italy, and France, although full approval for use in these countries remains pending. In the Czech Republic, political interest in Tesla FSD is growing, with a Chamber of Deputies member indicating plans to discuss approval following the Netherlands’ anticipated green light. This comes amid broader debates on electric vehicle policies, such as the planned end of highway toll exemptions for EVs in 2027. Meanwhile, Sweden’s city of Nacka has approved Tesla FSD testing, signaling local support for advancing autonomous vehicle technology despite ongoing
robotautonomous-vehiclesTesla-FSDself-driving-technologyelectric-vehiclesautomotive-technologyAI-driving-systemsTesla "Full Self Driving" Peer Pressure in the Netherlands - CleanTechnica
The article discusses Tesla's ongoing efforts to introduce its "Full Self Driving" (FSD) Supervised technology in the Netherlands and the regulatory challenges it faces. Although Tesla has spent nearly a decade developing FSD and offers it as a supervised driving aid in the U.S., it is not yet approved for use in Europe. Tesla is eager to expand the technology’s availability and has been pushing for faster regulatory approval in the Netherlands, hoping that a green light there could lead to broader European acceptance. However, the Dutch safety regulator, RDW, is maintaining its standard review process and has explicitly asked Tesla fans to stop pressuring the agency, emphasizing that public input will not influence the timeline or safety evaluation. The RDW clarified that it has a schedule with Tesla, expecting a demonstration of compliance with safety requirements by February 2026, but stressed that safety remains the top priority before any approval is granted. Tesla’s call for supporters to contact the RDW was seen as an attempt to accelerate the process
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslaself-driving-technologyautomotive-safetyFull-Self-DrivingEurope-regulationsUber and WeRide’s robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi is officially driverless
A year after launching a robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi, Chinese autonomous vehicle company WeRide and Uber have officially transitioned to fully driverless operations, eliminating the need for a human safety operator. The commercial service is now open to the public, initially operating on Yas Island, a key tourist area that includes the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Formula 1 circuit. Riders using Uber Comfort or UberX in Abu Dhabi may be matched with a WeRide robotaxi, and there is an “Autonomous” option in the Uber app to increase the likelihood of receiving a fully autonomous vehicle. This launch follows WeRide’s recent acquisition of a federal permit from the UAE for fully driverless commercial robotaxi operations and involves collaboration with fleet operator Tawasul. Plans are underway to expand the driverless service to additional parts of Abu Dhabi’s city center. This deployment marks a significant milestone as the first fully autonomous vehicle (AV) service outside the U.S. and China, according to Uber’s head of autonomous mobility, Sar
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiself-driving-technologyUberWeRidetransportation-technologyChina’s Pony.ai plans to triple global robotaxi fleet by the end of 2026
Chinese autonomous vehicle company Pony.ai announced plans to triple its global robotaxi fleet by the end of 2026, aiming to grow from its current 961 vehicles to over 3,000. The company targets reaching a 1,000-robotaxi fleet by the end of this year and is expanding commercial robotaxi services in major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Pony.ai is also pursuing international growth, entering markets in eight countries such as Qatar and Singapore through partnerships with local firms and ride-hailing companies like Bolt and Uber. Financially, Pony.ai reported a 72% year-over-year revenue increase to $25.4 million in Q3, driven by robotaxi services, self-driving trucks (robotrucks), and technology licensing. However, expenses continue to outpace revenue, with a net loss of $61.6 million in the quarter, up 46% from the previous year. The company’s cash reserves declined from $747.7 million to
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiself-driving-technologyelectric-vehiclestransportation-technologyAI-roboticsForterra brings in $238M to scale AI platforms for defense applications - The Robot Report
Forterra, a defense-focused company specializing in scalable autonomous hardware and software, has raised $238 million in a Series C funding round led by Moore Strategic Ventures, with participation from investors including Salesforce Ventures and Franklin Templeton. The company plans to use the capital to advance innovation in communications, command, and control systems, and to expand production capacity for edge computing platforms that serve defense and emerging mission domains. Forterra’s CEO, Josh Araujo, emphasized the critical role of autonomous systems in modern military operations, describing the company’s technology as a “force multiplier” that enhances reach, survivability, and effectiveness across battlespace and industrial applications. Forterra’s product suite includes AutoDrive, a self-driving system for diverse terrains; TerraLink, a platform for real-time vehicle oversight; Vektor, a communication and data-brokering layer optimized for disrupted and low-bandwidth environments; Oasis, an interoperability platform; and goTenna, mesh networking devices for secure off-grid connectivity.
robotautonomous-systemsmilitary-roboticsedge-computingcommunication-systemsself-driving-technologydrone-swarmsWaymo 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-cars1st Robotaxis on Streets of UK — Can You Name the Company? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights that the first robotaxi rides in London are being conducted by the UK-based startup Wayve, rather than more widely known companies like Waymo, Apollo Go, or Tesla. Wayve’s approach to autonomous driving relies on a self-learning AI driver that uses camera data and driving experience instead of detailed 3D maps and hand-coded rules. This vision-based method has attracted significant investment, with over $1.3 billion raised from investors, positioning Wayve as a notable player in the robotaxi space. However, Wayve is not yet offering commercial robotaxi services in London and does not intend to operate robotaxis itself. Instead, the company aims to license its AI driver software to automakers and other vehicle integrators. While Wayve’s approach is similar to Tesla’s, Tesla’s advantage lies in the extensive miles it has logged on public roads. The article suggests that Wayve’s future in the market is uncertain, as it may face challenges competing against larger
robotautonomous-vehiclesAI-driverrobotaxiWayveself-driving-technologyautomotive-AIWaymo 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-innovationZoox 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-innovationMusk's Compensation Dream Is A Reality — So What Comes Next? - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the realization of Elon Musk’s ambitious Tesla compensation package and explores the company’s future prospects beyond its established electric vehicle (EV) business. While Tesla’s initial success was rooted in its EVs, Musk is now focusing on advancing technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, full self-driving (FSD) capabilities, and robotaxi deployment. Tesla’s valuation and growth potential increasingly depend on these emerging areas, alongside the long-anticipated but still unconfirmed launch of a more affordable $25,000 EV model. However, some analysts express concern about Tesla’s reliance on its current vehicle lineup without frequent new model introductions, which could pose risks for sustained sales momentum. Key growth areas highlighted include Tesla’s FSD software, which reportedly reduces collision rates significantly compared to average US driving statistics, and the ongoing development of the robotaxi pilot program, currently tested with human safety drivers and soon expanding to multiple cities. Additionally, Tesla’s energy storage segment showed impressive year-over-year growth of 81
robotenergyautonomous-vehiclesAITeslaelectric-vehiclesself-driving-technologyA2RL autonomous racecars take to the track in Abu Dhabi - The Robot Report
The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) held its second event at the Yas Marina Circuit, continuing its mission to advance autonomous vehicle technology through competitive racing. The league challenges university teams to develop AI drivers competing on standardized racecar platforms. Earlier in the year, A2RL conducted a four-race SIM-Sprint virtual series across multiple tracks, including Yas Marina and Suzuka, where Team Kinetiz narrowly won over the Technical University of Munich (TUM), the 2021 Indy Autonomous Challenge winner. The SIM series was praised for its competitiveness and role in accelerating AI development and the league’s sporting framework. For the second season, A2RL introduced the upgraded EAV-25 autonomous racecar, based on the Super Formula SF23 chassis capable of speeds up to 295 kph (183 mph). The EAV-25 features significant improvements in safety, reliability, and performance over its predecessor, the EAV-24. Key upgrades include enhanced battery systems with integrated management,
robotautonomous-vehiclesAI-driversautonomous-racingself-driving-technologyelectric-racecarsmotorsport-technologyTesla releases detailed safety report after Waymo co-CEO called for more data
Tesla has released a detailed safety report on its Full Self-Driving (FSD) (Supervised) software, providing new data on its performance and collision rates in North America. According to Tesla, drivers using FSD travel approximately 2.9 million miles between major collisions and about 986,000 miles between minor collisions. These figures are significantly better than the national averages reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which indicate a major collision every 505,000 miles and a minor collision every 178,000 miles. Tesla defines major collisions as those involving airbag deployment or other irreversible restraints and includes incidents where FSD was active within five seconds before a collision, capturing a broad range of scenarios. This release follows calls from Waymo’s co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana for greater transparency from companies deploying autonomous driving technologies. Mawakana criticized the lack of publicly available data from companies like Tesla, emphasizing the responsibility to share safety information when removing drivers from behind the
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslaWaymodriver-assistance-systemsvehicle-safetyself-driving-technologySafety Audit of Waymo Comes to Some Surprising Findings — NOT! - CleanTechnica
The article discusses Waymo’s recent achievement as the first autonomous driving company to complete independent, third-party audits of its safety case program and remote assistance program, conducted by TÜV SÜD, a global leader in safety testing and certification. Waymo’s approach to developing its self-driving taxi business has been characterized as slow and methodical, prioritizing safety and thoroughness over rapid expansion. This careful strategy has resulted in a strong safety foundation, with the audits confirming that Waymo’s safety case program meets leading industry standards, including the International Standards for Systems and Software Assurance. A safety case, as explained by Waymo, is a formal documentation process that demonstrates how the company determines its fully autonomous system is safe for public road deployment without a human driver. The TÜV SÜD audit involved a comprehensive review of Waymo’s policies, evidence, and operational procedures, as well as interviews with team members to verify consistent application. The remote assistance program, which provides contextual information to vehicles to support autonomous
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoself-driving-technologysafety-auditTÜV-SÜDremote-assistance-programBoom — Waymo Takes The Freeway (+ Important Note On Waymo's Approach) - CleanTechnica
Waymo has made a significant advancement by beginning to offer fully autonomous rides on freeways in the San Francisco Bay Area, marking a major expansion in its service coverage. Historically, Waymo avoided freeway driving due to its complexity, but this new development improves trip efficiency and connectivity between cities, metro areas, and key locations like airports. Notably, these freeway rides operate without safety drivers behind the wheel, underscoring Waymo’s confidence in its technology after extensive testing and prioritization of safety. The company plans to extend freeway service to other cities such as Phoenix, Los Angeles, Austin, and Atlanta as it continues to grow. The article highlights Waymo’s cautious and thorough approach to mastering freeway autonomy, emphasizing that while freeway driving may seem easier, it presents unique challenges, including fewer critical events to train the system on rare scenarios. Waymo has relied heavily on closed-course testing and simulation to overcome these hurdles. This careful development process has built a strong foundation for rapid future expansion. The move to
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoself-driving-technologyAItransportationfreeway-drivingSelf-driving trucks startup Einride plans to go public via a SPAC
Swedish electric and autonomous truck startup Einride announced plans to go public through a merger with the special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) Legato Merger Corp., valuing Einride at $1.8 billion pre-money. The deal is expected to raise approximately $219 million in gross proceeds, excluding potential redemptions, and the company is also seeking up to $100 million in private investment in public equity (PIPE). The merger is anticipated to close in the first half of 2026, with Einride debuting on the New York Stock Exchange. Founded in 2016, Einride aims to revolutionize freight transport with electric trucks and autonomous electric pods—vehicles without steering wheels or pedals designed for self-driving. Einride operates a fleet of 200 heavy-duty electric trucks across Europe, North America, and the UAE, serving clients such as Heineken, PepsiCo, Carlsberg Sweden, and DP World. It is also advancing its autonomous pod technology with customers like Ap
robotautonomous-vehicleselectric-trucksself-driving-technologytransportation-innovationSPAC-mergerfreight-industryTesla's Hail Mary — Signs of Progress vs. Historical Concerns - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights Tesla's recent struggles with declining sales and a lack of successful new product launches since the Model Y, painting a somewhat bleak near-term outlook for the company. Despite these challenges, Tesla is pursuing ambitious, revolutionary projects rather than incremental improvements, reflecting a "Hail Mary" strategy under Elon Musk’s leadership. This approach carries significant risk but also the potential for substantial growth and increased global influence if successful. Key developments include Tesla’s plans to enable texting while driving with Full Self-Driving (FSD) soon, pending safety reviews, and anticipated regulatory approvals for FSD in Japan and China by early 2026. Tesla is also expanding its Robotaxi pilot program across several U.S. cities, aiming for hundreds to thousands of vehicles in operation by year-end. The company recently introduced a new AI5 self-driving chip with improved performance and is progressing with the Tesla Semi factory and Tesla Insurance expansion. Additionally, Tesla has launched initiatives like the MultiPass charging program in Europe
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslaAI-chipRobotaxiself-driving-technologyelectric-vehiclesWaymo’s robotaxi expansion accelerates with 3 new cities
Waymo announced plans to expand its robotaxi service to three new cities—Detroit, Las Vegas, and San Diego—marking a significant acceleration in its commercial rollout. This move reflects Waymo’s transition from primarily developing autonomous vehicle technology to operating a large-scale commercial enterprise. The company aims to offer 1 million trips per week by the end of 2026, up from over 250,000 rides per week reported in April 2025. Waymo’s expansion strategy involves initially deploying human-driven vehicles to map city streets, followed by driverless testing phases before opening services to employees, media, select consumers, and eventually the general public. Waymo will introduce a fleet of self-driving Jaguar I-Pace and Zeekr RT vehicles in the three new markets, leveraging its experience in these cities and its engineering presence in Detroit. The company has prepared for challenging conditions such as Detroit’s winter weather by extensive testing in the region. This rapid expansion is attributed to Waymo’s generalized self-driving
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiself-driving-technologyWaymourban-mobilityAI-transportationWaymo 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-technologyrobotaxisUberUber to launch a premium robotaxi service in Waymo’s turf of San Francisco
Uber plans to launch a premium robotaxi service in San Francisco in 2026, deploying Lucid Motors’ all-electric Gravity SUVs equipped with autonomous driving technology developed by Nuro. This move places Uber in direct competition with Waymo, Alphabet’s self-driving division, which currently dominates the Bay Area robotaxi market. Uber’s chief product officer, Sachin Kansal, emphasized the significance of launching in the Bay Area, highlighting the region’s role as a hub for transformative technology and Uber’s commitment to safe, scalable autonomous rides. The partnership involves Uber purchasing at least 20,000 Lucid Gravity SUVs over six years, which will be integrated with Nuro’s self-driving system and operated either by Uber or third-party fleet partners. Testing is already underway with a fleet expected to reach about 100 vehicles, combining public road trials, simulation, and closed-course testing. This initiative follows Uber’s broader strategy of collaborating with multiple autonomous vehicle technology companies globally, including Waymo, Nuro, and Luc
robotautonomous-vehicleselectric-vehiclesrobotaxiself-driving-technologyUberNuroRobotaxi companies must do more to prove safety, Waymo co-CEO says
Waymo co-CEO Takedra Mawakana emphasized that autonomous vehicle companies must do more to demonstrate the safety of their technologies. In a recent interview, she expressed skepticism about other companies’ transparency regarding their robotaxi fleets, stating that without clear data, it is difficult to identify who is genuinely contributing to safer roads. Mawakana highlighted Waymo’s own safety data, which claims their vehicles are five times safer than human drivers overall and 12 times safer concerning pedestrian safety, underscoring the importance of prioritizing safety while scaling operations. Mawakana did not explicitly name competitors but implicitly referenced companies like Tesla, which publishes quarterly safety reports focused on its Autopilot system used mainly on highways, where crash rates are lower. Tesla has not shared public safety data on its emerging robotaxi pilot in Austin, Texas. Other players such as Zoox, May Mobility, Pony AI, and Aurora are either in early deployment or testing phases, with varying levels of public safety disclosure. Mawak
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiWaymoself-driving-technologyvehicle-safetytransportation-technologyNVIDIA 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-technologyGeneral Motors to offer 'eyes-off' driving, with help from Cruise, to market in 2028 - The Robot Report
General Motors (GM) announced plans to introduce “eyes-off” driving technology in the 2028 Cadillac Escalade IQ electric SUV, leveraging its Super Cruise system. GM has already mapped 600,000 miles of hands-free driving routes across North America and reported 700 million miles driven with Super Cruise without any crashes attributed to the system. The technology benefits from Cruise’s autonomous driving experience, adding over 5 million fully driverless miles. Although GM ceased funding Cruise’s robotaxi deployment in 2023 due to operational challenges, it integrated Cruise’s team with its own to enhance Super Cruise, focusing on personal autonomous vehicles (AVs) rather than robotaxis. GM’s approach contrasts with competitors like Tesla, which has developed “full self-driving” software requiring driver attention and recently launched robotaxi services with safety monitors. GM’s eyes-off system will utilize a combination of vision, lidar, and radar sensors, potentially offering features such as conversational AI powered by Google Gemini and in-cabin entertainment. Beyond
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-technologyAIelectric-vehiclesenergy-storageautomotive-innovationAvride secures strategic investments up to $375M for self-driving cars, deliveries - The Robot Report
Avride Inc., an Austin-based startup founded in 2017, has secured up to $375 million in strategic investments to advance its autonomous vehicle (AV) and delivery robot technologies. The company has tested its self-driving systems in diverse environments—including rain, snow, urban streets, and side roads—and its delivery robots have already completed hundreds of thousands of orders in the U.S. and internationally. Avride’s technology benefits from shared advancements between its passenger AVs and sidewalk delivery robots, underscoring its scalable and reliable autonomous solutions. A key component of Avride’s growth is its expanded partnership with Uber Technologies and AI infrastructure provider Nebius Group. Avride’s delivery robots currently operate through Uber Eats in Austin, Dallas, and Jersey City, and the company plans to launch its first robotaxi service on Uber’s ride-hailing platform in Dallas by the end of 2025. The new funding will accelerate Avride’s scaling efforts, AI-driven product development, and market expansion. Unlike leaders such
robotautonomous-vehiclesdelivery-robotsself-driving-technologyAIlidarUber-collaborationWaymo Moves Again, Partners With DoorDash - CleanTechnica
Waymo has announced a new partnership with DoorDash to begin autonomous vehicle deliveries in Phoenix, Arizona, the city where Waymo first launched its robotaxi service. Starting in the coming months, DoorDash customers in Metro Phoenix may opt into receiving deliveries via fully autonomous Waymo vehicles, initially focusing on orders from DashMart convenience and grocery stores, with plans to expand to more local merchants and product offerings over time. Customers will use the DoorDash app to select autonomous delivery and unlock the vehicle’s trunk upon arrival, enabling a contact-free delivery experience. This collaboration builds on Waymo’s established presence and safety record in Phoenix, where its autonomous vehicles have logged over 100 million miles and completed more than 10 million trips, reportedly driving more safely than the average American driver. Waymo emphasizes that this pilot approach—testing and gradually expanding—aligns with its strategy to scale its autonomous services responsibly. Additionally, DoorDash’s DashPass members can access promotional offers for Waymo’s ride-hailing service in
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoDoorDashdelivery-robotsrobotaxiself-driving-technologyWaymo dips its wheels back into delivery, this time with DoorDash
Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous vehicle company, is expanding its delivery experiments in Phoenix through a new multi-year partnership with DoorDash. While Waymo is primarily known for its robotaxi services, it has previously explored delivery via pilot programs with Uber Eats and self-driving trucks, though it discontinued the latter in 2023 to refocus on robotaxis. This latest collaboration will enable DoorDash customers within a 315-square-mile area of Phoenix to receive food and grocery deliveries from DashMart convenience stores using Waymo’s driverless Jaguar I-Pace vehicles. Initially limited to DashMart orders, the service aims to eventually include more local merchants and a broader range of products. The delivery process involves placing orders in the trunk of the autonomous vehicle, which then navigates to the customer’s location without a driver. Customers retrieve their items from the trunk via the DoorDash app, marking a critical test of whether autonomous delivery can match or surpass the convenience of traditional human handoffs. DoorDash brings prior autonomous experience
robotautonomous-vehiclesdelivery-robotsWaymoDoorDashself-driving-technologyurban-mobilityWaymo plans to launch a robotaxi service in London in 2026
Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous vehicle company, announced plans to launch a commercial robotaxi service in London in 2026, marking its second international expansion after Tokyo. The service will initially deploy all-electric Jaguar I-Pace vehicles equipped with Waymo’s self-driving technology. The rollout will begin with human safety drivers behind the wheel, progressing to driverless testing and eventually allowing the public to hail robotaxis. The timing of the fully driverless service depends on the UK government’s approval process. Waymo will partner with Moove, a fleet operations company already active in Phoenix, to manage the London fleet. This move builds on Waymo’s existing UK presence, including its 2019 acquisition of Oxbotica, a UK startup specializing in self-driving simulation technology, and the establishment of an engineering hub in Oxford. Waymo has expanded its robotaxi operations across multiple U.S. cities such as Phoenix, Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, often collaborating with partners like Uber to
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiself-driving-technologyelectric-vehiclesWaymotransportation-innovationHow AI is shaping the future of mobility with Uber’s CPO and Nuro’s co-founder at Techcrunch Disrupt 2025
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place October 27-29 in San Francisco, Uber’s Chief Product Officer Sachin Kansal and Nuro’s co-founder Dave Ferguson will discuss how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing mobility. Their session will focus on the integration of AI technologies such as predictive models and computer vision to enhance road safety, the role of last-mile delivery as a proving ground for autonomous systems, and the challenges involved in scaling AI-driven transportation solutions. This event offers a unique insider perspective on the rapidly evolving transportation industry and the future of intelligent mobility. Sachin Kansal leads Uber’s global Mobility and Delivery products, including initiatives in safety, sustainability, and autonomous vehicles, shaping the company’s strategy for the next decade of AI-powered transportation. Dave Ferguson, with a background in Google’s early self-driving program and Carnegie Mellon robotics research, brings deep expertise in robotics and autonomy through his work at Nuro, a company focused on scalable autonomous vehicles for robotaxis and commercial fleets. Together
robotautonomous-vehiclesAI-mobilityintelligent-transportationroboticsself-driving-technologysustainable-mobilityCoast-to-Coast Tesla Full Self-Driving Trip Comes With $22,000 Bill After ~60 Miles - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica recounts an attempted coast-to-coast trip using Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, which remains far from ready for fully autonomous long-distance driving despite Elon Musk’s 2016 promise of a 2017 coast-to-coast autonomous drive. A popular Tesla YouTuber, known as “Bearded Tesla Guy,” and his friend started a similar trip from San Diego to demonstrate FSD’s capabilities. However, about 60 miles into the journey, while driving at 75 mph with FSD engaged, their Tesla hit a metal ramp on the highway. The car did not brake or swerve to avoid the obstacle, resulting in significant damage including a broken front sway bar bracket and damage to the high-voltage battery. The incident led to a costly repair bill totaling $22,275.82. Tesla service technicians discovered a pre-existing battery cell issue and replaced the battery under warranty, a concession the article’s author doubts would be extended to
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslaenergy-storageelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyself-driving-technologyWaymo is getting into the corporate travel business
Waymo, the Alphabet-owned self-driving vehicle company, has launched “Waymo for Business,” a new corporate travel service allowing companies to create accounts for their employees to access Waymo’s robotaxis in cities including Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco. This service enables businesses to subsidize rides or purchase promo codes in bulk for employees, clients, or customers at the same rates as the regular consumer service. Companies gain control over ride programs through a business portal, where they can set geographic boundaries, designate pickup and drop-off locations, monitor ride activity, and manage budgets. One of the first corporate customers is Carvana, an online used car marketplace based in Phoenix. Waymo’s move into the corporate travel market marks its first coordinated commercial effort targeting organizations, building on the fact that nearly one in six local riders already use Waymo for commuting to work or school. The company plans to expand Waymo for Business to additional cities like Washington DC and Miami as it launches commercial operations there. Over the
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxicorporate-travelself-driving-technologytransportation-technologyStep into the future: The full AI Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
The AI Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, scheduled for October 27–29 in San Francisco, will showcase leading innovators and companies shaping the future of artificial intelligence across diverse domains such as generative AI, developer tools, autonomous vehicles, creative AI, and national security. Attendees, especially founders, will gain early insights into emerging technologies, strategic lessons, and firsthand knowledge from top AI teams including Character.AI, Hugging Face, Wayve, and others. The event features a comprehensive agenda with keynotes, breakouts, roundtables, and networking opportunities designed to explore AI’s evolving landscape in scaling, investing, and building. Highlights include discussions on the future of AI-driven search with Pinecone’s CEO Edo Liberty, the evolving AI infrastructure stack with Hugging Face’s Thomas Wolf, and the practical impact of AI on software development led by JetBrains’ CEO Kirill Skrygan. Autonomous systems and physical AI will be explored by leaders from Wayve, Apptronik,
robotautonomous-vehiclesAIartificial-intelligenceself-driving-technologyhumanoid-robotsAI-innovationNvidia eyes $500M investment into self-driving tech startup Wayve
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang visited the UK with a commitment to invest £2 billion ($2.6 billion) to boost the country’s AI startup ecosystem, with a potential $500 million strategic investment targeted at Wayve, a UK-based self-driving technology startup. Wayve has signed a letter of intent with Nvidia to explore this investment as part of its next funding round, following Nvidia’s participation in Wayve’s $1.05 billion Series C round in May 2024. The investment is aligned with Nvidia’s broader AI startup funding initiative, which also involves venture capital firms like Accel and Balderton. Wayve is advancing its self-driving technology through a data-driven, self-learning approach that does not rely on high-definition maps, making it adaptable to existing vehicle sensors such as cameras and radar. Wayve’s autonomous driving platform, which has been developed in close collaboration with Nvidia since 2018, currently uses Nvidia GPUs in its Ford Mach E test vehicles. The company recently unveiled its third
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-technologyNvidiaAImachine-learningautomotive-technologyTesla Sales Look Strong For 3rd Quarter, & Speculation On 4th Quarter - CleanTechnica
The article provides an update on Tesla's sales performance and outlook for the third and fourth quarters. For Q3, Tesla's sales in the U.S. are reported as very strong, with Chevrolet and Hyundai also performing well, while Ford lags due to lack of tax credit incentives. In Europe, sales face challenges from brand perception issues linked to Elon Musk's comments and increased competition from Chinese automakers, although availability of the new Model Y and Model Y Performance is improving. China shows surprisingly strong sales of refreshed Model Y and Model 3 models, aided by Tesla’s advanced technology and Full Self Driving (FSD) features, with the new Model YL particularly popular. Globally, Tesla is expanding into new markets but faces competition from more affordable Chinese brands. Overall, Q3 sales are predicted to reach a record 508,000 vehicles, surpassing the previous high of 495,507 in Q4 2024, representing a 10% increase year-over-year. Looking ahead to
energyTeslaelectric-vehiclesself-driving-technologyautomotive-salesclean-energyelectric-carsTesla Dojo: the rise and fall of Elon Musk’s AI supercomputer
Tesla’s Dojo supercomputer, once heralded by Elon Musk as a cornerstone of the company’s AI ambitions, has been officially shut down as of August 2025. Originally designed to train Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) neural networks and support autonomous vehicle and humanoid robot development, Dojo was central to Musk’s vision of Tesla as more than just an automaker. Despite years of hype and investment, the project was abruptly ended after Tesla decided that its second-generation Dojo 2 supercluster, based on in-house D2 chips, was “an evolutionary dead end.” This decision came shortly after Tesla signed a deal to source next-generation AI6 chips from Samsung, signaling a strategic pivot away from self-reliant hardware development toward leveraging external partners for chip design. The shutdown also involved disbanding the Dojo team and the departure of key personnel, including project lead Peter Bannon and about 20 employees who left to start their own AI chip company, DensityAI
robotAIautonomous-vehiclesTeslasupercomputerself-driving-technologysemiconductorTesla Full Self Driving (Supervised) Launches in Australia to Overwhelmingly Positive Response - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the recent launch of Tesla's Full Self Driving (Supervised) (FSDS) feature in Australia and New Zealand, highlighting the overwhelmingly positive media and public response in these right-hand drive markets. Contrary to expectations of skepticism from Australian media—often critical of electric vehicles and Tesla—the coverage, particularly by Channel 7’s “Sunrise” program, has been notably favorable. The article notes that Australia lacks a domestic auto industry and competing self-driving technologies like Waymo, making Tesla’s FSDS currently the primary autonomous driving system available in the region. While BYD’s “God’s Eye” semi-autonomous system is expected to debut in Australia later in 2025, its advanced features are not yet approved or operational there. The author reflects on the long wait and high anticipation for Tesla vehicles and autonomous capabilities in Australia, dating back to 2016 when the Model 3 was first ordered and the 2018 launch event where customers queued to briefly experience the car. Despite early
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslaself-driving-technologyAIautomotive-technologyelectric-vehiclesTesla FSD Is Deeply Unpopular, Survey Shows - CleanTechnica
A recent survey of over 8,000 U.S. consumers reveals significant skepticism and negativity toward Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. Nearly half of respondents believe FSD should be illegal, and twice as many consumers say FSD features make them less likely to buy a Tesla than those who say it makes them more likely. Support for stricter regulation and legal accountability of autonomous vehicle (AV) manufacturers is strong, with many consumers demanding that companies be held responsible for accidents and that advertising and safety standards be tightened. Additionally, 70% of Americans prefer AVs to use both LiDAR and cameras for navigation, contrasting sharply with Tesla’s camera-only approach, which only 3% support. Tesla’s brand perception has also declined, with trust and positivity hitting new lows amid growing safety concerns and a sense of “FSD and Musk fatigue.” Elon Musk’s optimistic claims about upcoming FSD versions being multiple times better than human drivers have been met with skepticism, especially given his history
robotautonomous-vehiclesTesla-FSDLiDARself-driving-technologyautomotive-safetyAI-driving-systemsNuro closes $203M to propel AI-first self-driving tech, commercial partnerships - The Robot Report
Nuro Inc., a Mountain View-based autonomous vehicle company, has closed a $203 million Series E funding round at a $6 billion valuation. The capital will be used to scale its AI-first autonomous driving technology and expand commercial partnerships. Founded in 2016, Nuro combines advanced artificial intelligence with automotive-grade hardware to offer its Nuro Driver system, which supports applications including robotaxis, commercial fleets, and personally owned vehicles. The company has deployed its autonomous vehicles at city scale without safety drivers across multiple U.S. states and internationally, including a recent test fleet in Japan. Key commercial partnerships highlighted include a collaboration with Lucid and Uber to launch a next-generation ride-hailing service, aiming to deploy over 20,000 Lucid vehicles integrated with Nuro Driver starting in 2026. Uber also invested in Nuro as part of this funding round, contingent on meeting development milestones. Investors in the round include returning backers Baillie Gifford and NVIDIA—whose DRIVE AGX
robotautonomous-vehiclesAIself-driving-technologyNuroNVIDIAcommercial-partnershipsNvidia 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-vehiclesAImobilityElon Musk confirms shutdown of Tesla Dojo, ‘an evolutionary dead end’
Elon Musk has confirmed the shutdown of Tesla’s Dojo supercomputer project, describing it as “an evolutionary dead end” after the company decided to consolidate its AI chip development efforts. Initially, Tesla developed the first Dojo supercomputer using a combination of Nvidia GPUs and in-house D1 chips, with plans for a second-generation Dojo 2 powered by a D2 chip. However, Tesla has shelved the D2 chip and the broader Dojo 2 project to focus resources on its AI5 and AI6 chips. The AI5 chip is designed primarily for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, while the AI6 chip aims to support both onboard inference for autonomous driving and humanoid robots, as well as large-scale AI training. Musk explained that it makes more sense to integrate many AI5/AI6 chips on a single board to reduce network complexity and costs, a configuration he referred to as “Dojo 3.” This strategic pivot reflects Tesla’s
robotAI-chipsTesla-Dojoautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-technologyAI-traininghumanoid-robotsFederal 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-technologyTesla Shareholders Sue Elon Musk Over Autopilot & FSD Failures - CleanTechnica
Several Tesla shareholders have filed a class action lawsuit against Tesla and Elon Musk, alleging that the company repeatedly overstated the capabilities and readiness of its autonomous driving technology, including the Full Self Driving (FSD) system and Robotaxi service. The suit, filed in federal court in Texas on August 4, 2025, claims these exaggerations were intended to inflate Tesla’s stock price, constituting a "pump and dump" fraud scheme. The lawsuit also names former CFO Zachary Kirkhorn and current CFO Vaibhav Taneja as defendants, accusing Tesla of misleading investors and failing to disclose significant risks and operational problems with its autonomous vehicles. The controversy intensified following the launch of Tesla’s Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, where the vehicles demonstrated unsafe behaviors such as driving in oncoming traffic lanes and dropping passengers in hazardous locations, despite having human safety drivers onboard. Elon Musk had previously asserted that Tesla’s autonomous system could operate safely even in unmapped areas, contrasting with competitors like Uber and
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslaself-driving-technologyRobotaxiautomotive-technologyelectric-vehiclesLyft 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-innovationMiami 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 partly liable in Florida Autopilot trial, jury awards $200M in damages
A federal jury in Miami found Tesla partly liable for a fatal 2019 crash involving its Autopilot driver assistance system, assigning one-third of the blame to Tesla and two-thirds to the driver. The crash occurred when neither the driver nor Autopilot braked in time at an intersection, resulting in the death of 20-year-old Naibel Benavides Leon and severe injury to her boyfriend. The jury awarded approximately $242.5 million in total damages, including punitive damages solely against Tesla. This verdict marks one of the first major legal rulings against Tesla regarding its Autopilot technology, which the company has previously addressed through settlements. Plaintiffs' lead attorney criticized Tesla for marketing Autopilot as suitable beyond controlled-access highways without restricting its use, accusing the company and Elon Musk of fostering overconfidence in the system that endangered lives. Tesla announced plans to appeal, arguing the verdict was legally flawed and that no vehicle in 2019 could have prevented the crash, emphasizing that the
robotautonomous-vehiclesTesla-Autopilotdriver-assistance-systemsautomotive-safetyself-driving-technologylegal-liabilityTesla partly liable in Florida Autopilot trial, jury awards $329M in damages
A Miami federal jury found Tesla partly liable for a fatal 2019 crash involving its Autopilot driver assistance system, awarding $329 million in punitive and compensatory damages to the plaintiffs. The crash occurred when neither the driver nor Autopilot braked in time at an intersection, resulting in a collision that killed 20-year-old Naibel Benavides Leon and severely injured her boyfriend. The jury assigned two-thirds of the blame to the driver and one-third to Tesla. This verdict marks one of the first major legal rulings against Tesla regarding Autopilot, a technology the company has previously defended or settled related lawsuits over. Plaintiffs’ lead attorney Brett Schreiber criticized Tesla for designing Autopilot primarily for controlled highways but allowing its use elsewhere, coupled with Elon Musk’s public claims that Autopilot outperforms human drivers. Schreiber argued Tesla’s misleading promotion of the system endangered users and contributed to the fatal crash. Tesla announced plans to appeal the verdict, calling it legally
robotautonomous-vehiclesTesla-Autopilotdriver-assistance-systemsautomotive-safetyself-driving-technologylegal-liabilityRobotaxi Updates from China - CleanTechnica
The article provides updates on robotaxi developments in China, focusing on Pony AI and Tesla. Pony AI has expanded its robotaxi testing to operate 24/7 in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, extending beyond the previous 7:00 am to 11:00 pm schedule. This move aims to improve transportation options during nighttime hours when human-driven services are limited and more costly. Pony AI recently began mass production and road testing of its seventh-generation autonomous driving system, which features a 70% cost reduction compared to its predecessor. The company plans to deploy over 1,000 robotaxis by the end of 2025. Tesla is preparing to introduce a supervised driver-assistance system—though not full self-driving (FSD)—in China and Europe, pending regulatory approval. The rollout has been delayed due to stricter regulations and the need to adapt to local road rules and cultural norms. Tesla’s driver-assist features have performed well in recent tests comparing EV models in China, and many
roboticsautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiPony-AITeslaself-driving-technologyChina-transportationLyft 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-vehiclesTesla is reportedly bringing a limited version of its robotaxi service to San Francisco
Tesla is set to introduce a limited version of its robotaxi service in San Francisco this weekend, following an initial rollout in Austin, Texas. The service will include a driver in the driver’s seat due to the lack of proper permits for fully driverless operation in California, and it remains unclear whether Tesla has obtained the necessary Public Utilities Commission approval to offer rides to the general public, as current permissions only allow rides for employees. Tesla plans to invite Tesla owners to test the service while pursuing regulatory approval in California amid ongoing legal challenges related to the company’s self-driving claims and safety concerns. The Austin rollout, which began in June 2025, operates with safety operators in the front passenger seat and is limited to downtown areas and main corridors, far from the fully autonomous vision CEO Elon Musk has long promoted. Musk has also indicated plans to expand the service to Florida and Arizona, where Tesla has started the certification process to test and operate robotaxis both with and without drivers. Despite years of development and bold
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslarobotaxiself-driving-technologytransportation-technologydriver-assistance-systemsHow AV developers use virtual driving simulations to stress-test adverse weather - The Robot Report
The article discusses the significant challenges adverse weather conditions pose to autonomous vehicle (AV) systems, highlighting that rain, snow, fog, glare, and varying road surfaces can severely distort sensor inputs and decision-making processes. While AV technologies have advanced in ideal conditions, real-world environments with bad weather introduce complex disruptions that traditional training data often fail to address. Each sensor type—cameras, lidar, and radar—faces unique vulnerabilities: cameras suffer from obscured vision and noise, lidar can be affected by precipitation scattering laser beams, and radar, despite better penetration through fog and rain, experiences reduced resolution and clutter. When multiple sensors degrade simultaneously, overall system performance deteriorates sharply. These sensor challenges lead to perception and prediction failures, where objects may be missed or misclassified, and behavioral predictions become unreliable due to altered pedestrian and vehicle behaviors in bad weather. Such failures can cascade into unsafe planning and control decisions by the AV. Real-world incidents have demonstrated AV prototypes disengaging or misbehaving in adverse weather,
robotautonomous-vehiclessensor-fusionvirtual-simulationadverse-weather-testingperception-systemsself-driving-technologyUber, 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-Motors20,000 Lucid Robotaxis for Uber? - CleanTechnica
Uber has announced a partnership with Lucid Motors and Nuro to deploy over 20,000 robotaxis across multiple markets within the next six years. These autonomous vehicles will be Lucid cars equipped with Nuro’s Level 4 autonomous driving software, the Nuro Driver™ system. Uber or its third-party partners will own the vehicles, and the collaboration aims to leverage Uber’s extensive user base of approximately 150 million app users to accelerate adoption of robotaxi services. A prototype combining Lucid’s vehicle platform and Nuro’s autonomous technology is already operational on a closed circuit at Nuro’s Las Vegas testing facility. The partnership involves significant financial commitments from Uber, including multi-hundred-million dollar investments in both Lucid and Nuro, signaling a strategic move to deepen its presence in the autonomous vehicle market. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi emphasized the transformative potential of autonomous vehicles for urban mobility, while Lucid’s interim CEO Marc Winterhoff highlighted the company’s advanced vehicle architecture and suitability for
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiself-driving-technologyUberLucid-MotorsNuroTesla 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-transportationLucid, 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-innovationBaidu & Uber Partner to Launch Thousands of Robotaxis - CleanTechnica
Uber is strengthening its position in the autonomous vehicle market by partnering with Baidu, a leading Chinese self-driving technology and search-engine company, to launch thousands of Baidu’s Apollo Go robotaxis through the Uber platform. This multi-year collaboration will initially roll out in select Asian and Middle Eastern markets before the end of the year, marking a significant global expansion for Baidu’s autonomous driving technology. Apollo Go’s sixth-generation robotaxis have already provided over 11 million rides across 15 cities, with more than 1,000 vehicles currently in operation. Baidu’s CEO Robin Li emphasized the partnership as a major milestone in scaling autonomous driving technology worldwide. The company is also expanding its presence into Europe, with plans to launch services in Switzerland and establish an office there. This move aligns with Uber’s broader strategy of exclusive partnerships with leading robotaxi providers—such as Waymo in Austin and WeRide in other cities—to maintain its competitive edge as the ride-hailing industry transitions toward fully autonomous transportation.
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiBaiduUberself-driving-technologytransportation-innovationEx-Waymo engineers launch Bedrock Robotics with $80M to automate construction
Bedrock Robotics, a startup founded by former Waymo and Segment engineers, has emerged publicly after more than a year of quiet development, announcing an $80 million funding round led by Eclipse and 8VC. The company is developing a retrofit self-driving kit designed to automate construction and other worksite vehicles by upgrading existing fleets with sensors, computing power, and AI that can understand project goals, adapt to changing conditions, and operate continuously. The leadership team includes CEO Stefan Sofman, known for his previous roles at Waymo’s self-driving trucks program and as co-founder of Anki Robotics, alongside CTO Kevin Petersen and VPs Ajay Gummalla and Tom Eliaz. Bedrock Robotics joins a growing field of startups applying autonomous vehicle technology to off-road environments such as construction, mining, and industrial sites. The company is currently testing its technology in multiple states—Arkansas, Arizona, Texas, and California—with five construction firms including Sundt Construction and Zachry Construction Corporation. This move reflects a
roboticsautonomous-vehiclesconstruction-automationself-driving-technologyAI-in-constructionoff-road-autonomyrobotics-startupsEuropean 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-complianceMusk 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-carsTesla Moves To Block City Of Austin From Releasing Robotaxi Information - CleanTechnica
Tesla plans to launch a robotaxi service using its Full Self Driving (FSD) technology on public roads in Austin, Texas, starting June 10. However, the company is aggressively seeking to keep details about this trial confidential. Tesla has requested a federal judge to block the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from releasing crash data related to its Autopilot and FSD systems. Additionally, Tesla is pressuring the city of Austin and the Texas Attorney General’s office to withhold information about the robotaxi trial, citing concerns over revealing proprietary and competitively sensitive details such as deployment procedures and operational strategies. Despite public interest, specifics like the exact streets where the geofenced robotaxis will operate remain undisclosed. Tesla’s efforts to maintain secrecy extend beyond Austin, reflecting a broader pattern of limiting transparency about its autonomous driving technology. This includes influencing federal transportation authorities to reduce reporting requirements for robotaxi-related incidents, thereby minimizing public access to safety data. Critics argue that Tesla’s approach prioritizes corporate interests and secrecy over public safety and informed consent, especially given past incidents where Tesla vehicles operating in FSD mode have been involved in crashes, including fatal ones. The ongoing dispute highlights tensions between innovation, regulatory oversight, and the public’s right to information about emerging autonomous vehicle technologies.
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslarobotaxiself-driving-technologytransportation-technologyAI-roboticsZoox issues second robotaxi software recall in a month following collision
robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclessoftware-recallself-driving-technologyZooxcollision-safetyAmazon’s Zoox to start testing AVs in Atlanta, following Waymo
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-technologyrobotaxiZooxWaymotransportation-technologyWaymo updates 1,200+ robotaxis in software recall
robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclesWaymoself-driving-technologyvehicle-safetytransportation-technologyAurora to add night driving, new routes as it ramps driverless trucking
robotautonomous-vehiclesdriverless-truckingAurora-Innovationfreight-transportationself-driving-technologynight-drivingAmazon-owned Zoox issues recall following robotaxi crash
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiZooxself-driving-technologyvehicle-safetytransportation-technologyWaymo ramps up robotaxi production at new Arizona factory
robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclesWaymoelectric-vehiclesmanufacturingself-driving-technologyAurora begins driverless commercial trucking in Texas
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-technologycommercial-truckingfreight-transportationAurora-Driverdriverless-trucksUber’s latest autonomous vehicle partner? Chinese startup Momenta
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-technologyride-hailingpartnershipstransportationmobilityMay Mobility to launch robotaxis on Uber platform this year in Texas
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