Articles tagged with "autonomous-vehicles"
Waymo has set its robotaxi sights on NYC
Waymo has applied for a permit with the New York City Department of Transportation to test its autonomous Jaguar I-Pace vehicles in Manhattan, marking its initial step toward introducing robotaxis in the city. The permit application aligns with New York’s stringent autonomous vehicle regulations, which require a human safety operator behind the wheel, a $5 million insurance policy, and thorough operator training. While obtaining this permit is significant, Waymo is still far from launching commercial or fully driverless operations in NYC due to current legal restrictions that mandate a human must be physically present and able to control the vehicle. To advance its goals, Waymo is actively advocating for changes in state law that would permit driverless vehicle operation without a human behind the wheel. The company is also building partnerships with local organizations such as MADD NY, YAI, the National Federation of the Blind, and Bronx Community College to foster goodwill and support. Despite previous attempts by other companies to test autonomous vehicles in NYC, none progressed beyond limited demonstrations. Way
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxiself-driving-carsurban-mobilitytransportation-technologyAmazon’s Zoox opens its first major robotaxi production facility
Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company Zoox has inaugurated its first major production facility in Hayward, California, marking a significant milestone in its transition from development to commercial deployment. The 220,000-square-foot factory, located near Zoox’s Foster City headquarters, is designed for engineering, software and hardware integration, assembly, storage, and testing of its custom-built robotaxis. Zoox aims for the facility to eventually produce up to 10,000 robotaxis annually, supporting its expansion into multiple commercial markets. Currently, Zoox is testing vehicles in several U.S. cities and offering rides to employees in Las Vegas and San Francisco, with plans to launch an early-rider program for the public in 2026. The Hayward facility will initially support commercial operations in Las Vegas and San Francisco, with future rollouts planned for Austin and Miami. The factory employs a hybrid workforce of humans and robots, where human workers perform most tasks while robots handle specific functions such as adhesive application and vehicle transport along the
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaximanufacturingautomationAI-integrationtransportation-technologyWeRide 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 Robotaxi Stops for Kids Chasing Dogs Chasing Ball into Street - CleanTechnica
The article highlights a notable incident involving a Waymo robotaxi in California, which safely stopped to avoid hitting two small dogs chasing a ball into the street, followed by children chasing the dogs. Despite poor visibility and visual obstructions from parked vehicles, the autonomous vehicle detected the dogs early and braked suddenly, demonstrating impressive situational awareness and reaction capabilities. The author emphasizes that such a response might not be guaranteed from a human driver or other self-driving systems, underscoring Waymo’s advanced safety features. Additionally, the article praises Waymo’s visualization technology, which clearly displays detailed silhouettes of pedestrians and animals, providing transparency into what the vehicle’s sensors detect. Dmitri Dolgov, Waymo’s co-CEO, shared an alternative view of the incident, reflecting the company’s pride in their system’s safety performance. Overall, the event serves as a strong example of Waymo’s progress in developing autonomous vehicles that prioritize safety and can handle complex, real-world scenarios effectively.
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoself-driving-carsroboticsAI-vision-systemstransportation-technologyWaymo Grows Again - CleanTechnica
Waymo is significantly expanding its robotaxi services across California, extending coverage in the Bay Area to cities like South San Francisco, San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, Brisbane, and Menlo Park, with further expansion planned in the Los Angeles metro area including Silverlake, Inglewood, and Downtown LA. This expansion marks a substantial growth in Waymo’s service footprint, suggesting the company is poised to increase ride volumes considerably. Additionally, Waymo is preparing to launch its robotaxi service in Atlanta this summer in partnership with Uber, further broadening its national presence. Beyond California, Waymo is actively testing and demonstrating its autonomous driving technology across the U.S., with recent stops in cities such as San Antonio, Houston, and Orlando as part of its 2025 road trip initiative. The company’s rapid growth contrasts with earlier slower progress and raises questions about the potential for exponential scaling of robotaxi services. The article also briefly touches on Tesla’s delayed robotaxi launch in Austin,
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxitransportation-technologyself-driving-carsmobility-innovationTesla Phantom Braking & Pedestrian Safety Concerns Continue - CleanTechnica
Tesla plans to launch its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, imminently, using a small fleet of Model Ys equipped with its Full Self Driving (FSD) Unsupervised software. However, details about how this software differs from the current FSD version available to owners remain unclear. Tesla’s secretive approach to the robotaxi program has raised skepticism, with critics suspecting the company is trying to avoid public scrutiny of potential failures. Despite Tesla’s claims that its systems are safer than human drivers, incidents involving the technology have sparked safety concerns. Anti-Tesla groups like the Dawn Project and Tesla Takedown recently conducted an experiment highlighting significant safety issues. Using a Model Y with the latest supervised FSD, they demonstrated that the vehicle failed to stop for a stopped school bus with flashing lights and only braked too late to avoid hitting a child-sized cardboard cutout darting into the street. This test was repeated multiple times with consistent failure, raising questions about whether Tesla’s cars are safe
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslaself-driving-carsrobotaxipedestrian-safetyautomotive-technologyApplied Intuition raises $600 million as it pushes further into defense
Applied Intuition, a prominent autonomous vehicle software company, has secured $600 million in a Series F funding round, elevating its valuation to $15 billion. The round was co-led by BlackRock-managed funds and Kleiner Perkins, with participation from new investors such as the Qatar Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi Investment Council, alongside existing backers like General Catalyst and Bond. This funding comes just a year after a $250 million Series E round that valued the company at $6 billion. Applied Intuition specializes in software that aids both commercial companies and government agencies in developing autonomous vehicle technologies, including simulation tools and data management. The company serves major automakers and autonomous vehicle firms like Gatik and Kodiak, and has recently expanded its focus into the defense sector. Notably, Applied Intuition collaborated with the U.S. Army to rapidly develop autonomous capabilities for an infantry squad vehicle, transforming it from a basic model to fully autonomous within 10 days. This effort involved creating a robotic system capable of physically
robotautonomous-vehiclesdefense-technologyAI-softwaresimulation-softwareautomotive-technologyroboticsWaymo 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-innovationNew Insights for Scaling Laws in Autonomous Driving - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses Waymo’s recent research into applying scaling laws—well-established in large language models (LLMs)—to autonomous driving, specifically in motion forecasting and planning. Waymo’s study leveraged an extensive internal dataset of 500,000 hours of driving, much larger than prior AV datasets, to investigate how increasing model size, training data, and compute resources impact AV performance. The findings reveal that, similar to LLMs, motion forecasting quality improves predictably following a power-law relationship with training compute. Additionally, scaling data and inference compute enhances the model’s ability to handle complex driving scenarios, and closed-loop planning performance also benefits from increased scale. These results mark a significant advancement by demonstrating for the first time that real-world autonomous vehicle capabilities can be systematically improved through scaling, providing a predictable path to better performance. This predictability applies not only to model training objectives and open-loop forecasting metrics but also to closed-loop planning in simulations, which more closely reflect real driving conditions.
robotautonomous-vehiclesAImotion-forecastingscaling-lawsdeep-learningWaymoWaymo Discusses How It Knows When Robotaxis Are Safe To Deploy - CleanTechnica
Waymo, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, has shared detailed insights into how it determines when its robotaxis are safe to deploy. With decades of testing and years of operating self-driving taxis, Waymo emphasizes that safety readiness involves a rigorous, evidence-based process applied not only when launching in new areas but also when introducing software updates or new vehicle platforms. The company uses twelve specific acceptance criteria to assess whether its Waymo Driver system meets safety requirements, mitigates known risks, and performs reliably in various environments. This multi-faceted approach combines qualitative and quantitative data to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of residual risk before deployment. Waymo highlights its transparency by publicly disclosing these criteria and its governance framework, which includes oversight by a Safety Framework Steering Committee and Safety Board to maintain accountability and manage risks in evolving conditions. The company aims to set an industry standard for operationalizing the concept of “absence of unreasonable risk,” addressing the current lack of consensus on deployment readiness in the autonomous vehicle sector. By sharing its methodology
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoself-driving-carsrobotaxi-safetyAI-in-transportationautonomous-driving-technologyPhotos: Ford's mid-sized truck takes brutal robotic test on rough tracks
Ford is rigorously testing its upcoming Ranger Super Duty mid-sized truck using an autonomous robotic driver to simulate over a decade of harsh driving conditions in just days. The truck, loaded to its maximum gross vehicle mass of about 9,921 pounds (4,500 kg), is subjected to relentless endurance trials on the Silver Creek course at the You Yangs Proving Ground in Australia. This track features 300 randomly placed bumps designed to replicate extreme road abuse, pushing the vehicle’s durability from wheels to roof under brutal forces, especially when fully loaded. The Ranger Super Duty aims to compete directly with the Toyota 79 Series LandCruiser, targeting the Australian market with a launch planned for early 2026. It is powered by a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 engine producing 184 kW and 600 Nm of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Ford has reinforced the truck’s chassis with thicker rails, upgraded suspension and tow mounts, heavy-duty axles,
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotic-testingvehicle-durabilityendurance-testingautomotive-roboticsFord-Ranger-Super-DutyWaymo limits service ahead of today’s ‘No Kings’ protests
Waymo, the Alphabet-owned robotaxi company, is limiting its service on June 14, 2025, ahead of the nationwide “No Kings” protests against President Donald Trump and his policies. Service reductions are reported in San Francisco, Austin, Atlanta, and Phoenix, with a complete suspension in Los Angeles. The duration of these service limitations remains unclear. This precaution follows recent protests in Los Angeles where Waymo vehicles were vandalized with anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) graffiti, likely due to perceptions of the vehicles as surveillance tools, similar to how police departments have used them. Waymo has stated that it challenges any requests for data or cooperation that it views as overly broad or lacking legal justification. The company’s cautious approach reflects concerns about civil unrest and the potential targeting of its autonomous vehicles during politically charged demonstrations. The San Francisco Chronicle noted that during periods of civil unrest, authorities may avoid aggressive intervention unless property is directly threatened, highlighting the tense environment surrounding these protests.
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxitransportation-technologyself-driving-carsAI-roboticsWeek in Review: WWDC 2025 recap
The Week in Review covers major developments from WWDC 2025 and other tech news. At Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, the company showcased updates across its product lineup amid pressure to advance its AI capabilities and address ongoing legal challenges related to its App Store. Meanwhile, United Natural Foods (UNFI) suffered a cyberattack that disrupted its external systems, impacting Whole Foods’ ability to manage deliveries and product availability. In financial news, Chime successfully went public, raising $864 million in its IPO. Other highlights include Google enhancing Pixel phones with new features like group chat for RCS and AI-powered photo editing, and Elon Musk announcing the imminent launch of driverless Teslas in Austin, Texas. The Browser Company is pivoting from its Arc browser to develop an AI-first browser using a reasoning model designed for improved problem-solving in complex domains. OpenAI announced a partnership with Mattel, granting Mattel employees access to ChatGPT Enterprise to boost product development and creativity. However, concerns about privacy surfaced with
robotAIautonomous-vehiclesdriverless-carsmachine-learningartificial-intelligenceautomationTesla Full Self Driving Supervised V12.6.4 — Going on 6 Years with My Model 3 - CleanTechnica
The article chronicles the author's extensive experience—over 3.5 years and through about 20 versions—with Tesla's Full Self Driving (FSD) system on a 2019 Model 3. The author frequently uses FSD on busy multi-lane highways, long cross-country trips, and rural roads, praising its smooth, accurate driving that often matches or exceeds a highly attentive human driver. Recent software improvements have enhanced FSD’s ability to navigate complex scenarios, such as safely passing slow trucks, giving space to cyclists, and handling unexpected obstacles like deer or puddles. Tesla plans to launch fully driverless robotaxi services in geofenced areas soon, but the author doubts that truly unsupervised driving will be achievable on their older Model 3 anytime soon. Despite significant progress, the author highlights persistent limitations and failures in FSD’s supervised mode. For example, the system correctly recognizes and responds to stop signs, traffic lights, and speed limits but fails to slow down for school zone speed
robotautonomous-vehiclesTesla-Full-Self-Drivingdriverless-technologyAI-driving-systemsrobotaxiautomotive-roboticsTechCrunch Mobility: The cost of Waymo
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced plans to streamline the Part 555 exemption process, aiming to expedite approvals for automakers deploying fully self-driving vehicles without traditional human controls such as steering wheels or pedals. While manufacturers must still prove these vehicles meet equivalent safety standards and serve the public interest, the current exemption process is viewed as lengthy and ill-suited for automated driving systems. This move reflects a broader federal interest in accelerating autonomous vehicle deployment, alongside related regulatory actions on drones and supersonic travel. In industry news, JetZero, a zero-emissions jet startup backed by venture capital and major airlines, revealed plans to invest $4.7 billion over the next decade to build a factory in Greensboro, North Carolina, with construction starting in 2026 and deliveries expected in the early 2030s. The deal includes over $1.1 billion in state incentives tied to job creation. Meanwhile, an analysis by the app Obi found that Waymo’s self-driving rides consistently
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-carstransportation-technologymobilityautomotive-innovationNHTSA-regulationsA Waymo Costs More, But People Love It - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica examines pricing and consumer preferences among app-based taxi services in San Francisco, focusing on Waymo, Uber, and Lyft. Data collected by the app Obi from March 25 to April 25 reveals that Waymo’s autonomous rides are consistently more expensive—about $9.50 to $11 more during peak demand—compared to UberX and Lyft. Despite the higher cost, Waymo maintains strong customer interest, with many riders willing to pay a premium for the novelty and technology of driverless cars. Obi’s survey found that 70% of Waymo users prefer driverless vehicles over human-driven ones, and roughly 43% of respondents indicated they would pay more to ride in a Waymo. The article also highlights operational differences influencing pricing. Uber and Lyft benefit from dynamic pricing models refined over years and a flexible driver-owned vehicle fleet that adjusts supply during high-demand periods, helping to moderate costs. In contrast, Waymo operates a fixed fleet of autonomous vehicles and
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymodriverless-carstransportation-technologyride-hailingmobility-innovationMotional names Major president, CEO of self-driving car business
Laura Major was appointed president and CEO of Motional, a leading autonomous vehicle company, in June 2025 after serving as interim CEO since September 2024. She succeeded Karl Iagnemma, who left to lead Vecna Robotics. Major has been with Motional since its founding in 2020, initially as CTO, where she spearheaded the development of the IONIQ 5 robotaxi, one of the first autonomous vehicles certified by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and created a machine learning-first autonomous driving software stack. Her leadership emphasizes leveraging AI breakthroughs and partnership with Hyundai to advance safe, fully driverless transportation as a practical part of everyday life. Before Motional, Major built expertise in autonomy and AI at Draper Laboratory and Aria Insights, focusing on astronaut, national security, and drone applications. She began her career as a cognitive engineer designing decision-support systems for astronauts and soldiers and later led Draper’s Information and Cognition Division. Recognized as an emerging leader by
robotautonomous-vehiclesAImachine-learningroboticsself-driving-carsautomationJapan's Robot City!
Toyota is developing an ambitious new city-campus designed to integrate living and working spaces into a single, high-tech environment. This futuristic project aims to foster seamless collaboration and innovation by leveraging advanced technologies such as robots, autonomous vehicles, and smart infrastructure. The city is envisioned as a fully integrated community where workers and their families can live and work, creating a unique corporate enclave that blurs the line between home and office. While the project is promoted as a bold vision for the future of urban living and innovation, it also raises critical questions about its implications for work-life balance. Critics wonder whether this "robot city" represents a utopian model of progress or a corporate strategy to keep employees tethered to their jobs around the clock. The development highlights broader debates about the future of cities and the evolving relationship between technology, work, and personal life.
robotautonomous-vehiclessmart-infrastructureinnovation-hubToyotafuturistic-cityroboticsWaymo rides cost more than Uber or Lyft — and people are paying anyway
The article examines the pricing dynamics of Waymo’s autonomous ride-hailing service compared to traditional options like Uber and Lyft, based on a month-long data analysis in San Francisco by the app Obi. Contrary to the expectation that robotaxis would be cheaper due to lower labor costs, Waymo rides were found to be consistently more expensive, averaging $20.43 per ride compared to Lyft’s $14.44 and Uber’s $15.58. During peak hours, Waymo’s prices were about $9.50 to $11 higher than its competitors. Despite the higher cost, consumer demand remains strong, driven by excitement for the technology and a preference for driverless vehicles. The pricing variability of Waymo rides was also greater than Uber or Lyft, attributed to Waymo’s less sophisticated pricing model and a relatively fixed vehicle supply, resulting in a more direct supply-and-demand pricing approach. This model causes short trips to be disproportionately expensive—Waymo’s short rides cost roughly 31-41% more
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoride-hailingtransportation-technologyself-driving-carsmobility-servicesMusk 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-carsElon Musk says Tesla robotaxis could launch in Austin on June 22
Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced a tentative launch date of June 22, 2025, for Tesla’s robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, though the date may shift due to ongoing safety evaluations. The initial fleet will consist of 10 to 20 modified Model Y SUVs operating within geofenced zones under remote human supervision, powered by Tesla’s latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. Musk emphasized a cautious approach to safety, highlighting that the rollout depends on passing final safety checks. Tesla has been testing these vehicles on Austin streets and plans to enable cars to drive autonomously from the factory directly to buyers starting June 28. If successful, Tesla aims to expand the robotaxi service to other cities such as Los Angeles, San Antonio, and San Francisco by the end of the year. This robotaxi initiative represents a significant strategic pivot for Tesla, focusing on full self-driving technology rather than more affordable electric vehicles, potentially redefining the company’s business model. However, Tesla faces multiple challenges, including slowing electric vehicle sales amid rising competition, ongoing Model Y redesigns, and political controversies surrounding Musk that could impact regulatory approvals. Industry skepticism remains high given Musk’s history of repeatedly delaying fully autonomous vehicle promises. Nonetheless, the Austin launch marks a critical test for Tesla’s ambitions in the autonomous vehicle market.
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslarobotaxiself-driving-carsAItransportation-technologyAutonomous cars that 'think' like humans cut traffic risk by 26%
Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed a novel cognitive encoding framework that enables autonomous vehicles (AVs) to make decisions with human-like moral reasoning and situational awareness. Unlike current AV systems that assess risks in a limited pairwise manner, this new approach evaluates multiple road users simultaneously, prioritizing vulnerable pedestrians and cyclists through a concept called “social sensitivity.” The system ranks risks based on vulnerability and ethical considerations, allowing AVs to yield or stop for pedestrians even when traffic rules permit movement, and anticipates the impact of its maneuvers on overall traffic flow. Tested in 2,000 simulated traffic scenarios, the framework demonstrated a 26.3% reduction in total traffic risk, with pedestrian and cyclist risk exposure dropping by 51.7%, and an 8.3% risk reduction for the AVs themselves. Notably, these safety improvements were achieved alongside a 13.9% increase in task completion speed. The system’s adaptability allows it to be tailored to different regional driving norms and legal frameworks, enhancing its potential for global implementation. This breakthrough addresses critical limitations in current autonomous driving technology, promising safer streets and more socially responsible AV behavior in complex, real-world environments.
robotautonomous-vehiclesartificial-intelligencetraffic-safetyhuman-like-decision-makingsocial-sensitivityrisk-assessmentWorld’s first robot city to rise beneath Japan’s Mount Fuji in 2025
Toyota is set to launch the world’s first fully connected, self-contained “robot city” called Woven City at the base of Mount Fuji, Japan, in fall 2025. Situated on the 175-acre former Higashi-Fuji plant site in Shizuoka Prefecture, about 140 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, this experimental metropolis will serve as a real-world testbed for future mobility, smart infrastructure, and sustainable living. Initially housing 100 residents—mainly Toyota engineers and their families—the population is expected to grow to 360 in the first phase, with a long-term goal of 2,000 inhabitants. The city’s residents are divided into “Inventors,” who develop new technologies, and “Weavers,” who provide user feedback. Central to the city’s design is Toyota’s autonomous electric vehicle platform, the e-Palette, which will operate alongside an underground logistics network and dedicated surface lanes for pedestrians, slower mobility devices, and autonomous vehicles. Beyond mobility, Woven City emphasizes sustainability and resilience through a hydrogen fuel cell energy grid supplemented by solar panels, water recycling, and advanced waste management. Smart homes equipped with robotics and AI will monitor health, manage energy, and optimize daily life, while the entire urban system is interconnected via sensors and AI to create a living digital operating system. The city functions both as a simulation environment and a functioning habitat, enabling direct testing of smart infrastructure technologies. Although not open to tourists initially, Toyota plans to allow public access starting in 2026. Ultimately, Woven City aims to serve as a scalable model for future urban planning worldwide, demonstrating how public-private partnerships can foster next-generation technologies amid growing climate and security challenges.
robotIoTenergyautonomous-vehiclessmart-cityhydrogen-fuel-cellssustainable-livingWayve and Uber plan London robotaxi launch after UK speeds up autonomous vehicle rollout
Wayve, a U.K.-based autonomous vehicle technology company, and Uber plan to launch a fully driverless robotaxi service in London within the next few years. This initiative follows the U.K. government's recent decision to accelerate the timeline for self-driving commercial pilot programs from late 2027 to spring 2026, aiming to boost investment in autonomous vehicle technology. While specific details about the launch, such as trial dates, fleet size, or vehicle manufacturer partners, have not been disclosed, Wayve confirmed that the service will begin in London and eventually expand to greater London and beyond. The deployment involves a collaborative ecosystem where Wayve provides the AI driving intelligence integrated into base vehicles supplied by manufacturers, a fleet operator manages the vehicles, and Uber operates the passenger service. Each participant must independently demonstrate safety and responsible operation to regulators. Wayve’s CEO, Alex Kendall, emphasized that this effort represents a significant step toward scalable autonomy in the U.K., leveraging their AI Driver technology and Embodied AI that can adapt to various vehicles and environments. Uber’s extensive global mobility network is seen as a key asset for scaling the autonomous service beyond the U.K. The partnership underscores a broader ambition to bring safe, intelligent, and driverless rides to everyday consumers worldwide.
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiAI-driving-technologyWayveUberself-driving-carsWaymo robotaxis, Lime e-scooters set ablaze during LA protests
During protests in downtown Los Angeles sparked by aggressive immigration raids conducted by ICE under the Trump administration, several Waymo autonomous vehicles and Lime e-scooters were vandalized and set on fire. On Sunday evening, protesters attacked five Waymo robotaxis by slashing tires, breaking windows, spray-painting anti-ICE slogans, and igniting the cars. Some Lime e-scooters were also thrown into the burning vehicles. The LAPD warned that burning lithium-ion batteries from these devices release toxic gases, posing health risks to bystanders. The exact motive behind targeting Waymo vehicles remains unclear, though previous police investigations have utilized footage from Waymo’s cars. Waymo stated it is cooperating with the LAPD and intends to pursue criminal charges and seek damages for the vandalism. There are unconfirmed reports that Waymo may have removed its vehicles from Los Angeles following the attacks. The protests began on June 6 in response to ICE raids that resulted in over 100 immigrant arrests, escalating into both peaceful and violent demonstrations across multiple cities, including freeway blockades. In response, President Trump federalized the California National Guard and deployed troops to LA, a move opposed by state officials including Governor Gavin Newsom, who called it a breach of state sovereignty. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated readiness to deploy Marines if violence persists. Videos have surfaced showing LAPD using force against protesters and journalists during the unrest.
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxielectric-scooterslithium-ion-batteriesvandalismurban-protestsWaymo robotaxis, Lime e-scooters set ablaze during LA protests
During protests in downtown Los Angeles sparked by immigration raids conducted by the Trump administration, several Waymo autonomous vehicles and Lime e-scooters were vandalized and set on fire. On Sunday evening, a group of protesters attacked five Waymo robotaxis, slashing tires, breaking windows, spray-painting anti-ICE slogans, and setting three cars ablaze. Some Lime e-scooters were also thrown into the burning vehicles. The LAPD warned that burning lithium-ion batteries from these devices release toxic gases, posing health risks to bystanders. The motivation behind targeting Waymo vehicles remains unclear, though police have previously used footage from robotaxis in investigations. The protests began on June 6 in response to aggressive ICE raids that resulted in over 100 immigrant arrests. Demonstrations, both peaceful and violent, spread across Los Angeles and nearby areas, including freeway blockades. In reaction, President Trump federalized the California National Guard and deployed troops to the city, a move opposed by state officials such as Governor Gavin Newsom, who called for their removal. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated readiness to deploy Marines if violence escalates. The article also briefly notes that Waymo and Lime did not comment on the incidents, and that similar protests involving Waymo vehicles occurred previously in San Francisco.
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoe-scooterslithium-ion-batterieselectric-mobilityurban-protestsTesla 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-roboticsWeek in Review: Why Anthropic cut access to Windsurf
The article "Week in Review: Why Anthropic cut access to Windsurf" covers several key developments in the AI and tech sectors over the past week. Central to the discussion is Anthropic’s decision to cut access to its AI model Claude for Windsurf, explained by Anthropic’s Chief Science Officer Jared Kaplan. He stated that it would be unusual for Anthropic to sell Claude to OpenAI, its largest competitor, especially as OpenAI is acquiring the AI coding assistant Windsurf. This competitive dynamic is the primary reason for the access cut. Beyond this, the article highlights other notable tech news: DeepSeek, a Chinese lab, released an updated AI model R1 that performs well on math and coding benchmarks, with speculation it may be related to Google’s Gemini AI family. Apple’s WWDC 2025 is set to start soon, promising new features including a redesigned interface, a dedicated gaming app, and updates to Mac, Watch, and TV platforms. ChatGPT is expanding its business utility by integrating connectors to popular cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive, enabling it to access user data across platforms for improved responses. Additional updates include the wipeout of data from an Indian grocery delivery startup with a sizable customer base, Google’s image editing app arriving on its operating system with advanced features, Tesla’s renewed trademark efforts for “Tesla Robotaxi,” and Anduril’s significant $2.5 billion funding round doubling its valuation to $30.5 billion. The article also touches on Toma’s AI phone agents helping car dealerships reduce missed calls, and a public spat between Elon Musk and Donald Trump that could have wider implications for the tech industry. Overall, the piece provides a broad overview of recent tech and AI industry news with a focus on competitive strategy, product updates, and funding milestones.
robotTesla-RobotaxiAIautonomous-vehiclesroboticstrademarktechnology-innovationSaildrone, Meta complete robotic deep-water cable route survey - The Robot Report
Saildrone Inc., in partnership with Meta, successfully completed a 26-day autonomous deep-water cable route survey in the North Atlantic using the Saildrone Surveyor, a 20-meter uncrewed surface vehicle (USV). The Surveyor mapped over 4,500 km of seabed, including complex topographies, without requiring port calls or external assistance. Equipped with advanced sensors such as the Kongsberg EM304 MKII multibeam sonar and powered by AI algorithms, the USV demonstrated data quality and operational performance comparable to traditional crewed survey vessels. Key metrics like route fidelity, line keeping, data transmission, and depth accuracy met or exceeded expectations, proving autonomous ocean mapping is both feasible and highly effective. The mission emphasized minimizing health, safety, and environmental risks by enabling remote operations, allowing hydrographic surveyors and engineers to work from shore-based offices rather than offshore, thus reducing physical and mental strain. Environmentally, the Surveyor avoided approximately 243 tons of CO₂ emissions—over 50 times less than conventional vessels—highlighting the sustainability benefits of uncrewed systems. This successful demonstration not only supports Meta’s growing subsea cable infrastructure needs but also signals broader potential for USVs in subsea telecommunications, offshore energy, and national hydrographic programs, with future efforts aimed at expanding operational capabilities.
roboticsautonomous-vehiclesunderwater-mappinguncrewed-surface-vehicleAI-sensorssubsea-cable-surveymaritime-technologyTechCrunch Mobility: How Jony Ive’s LoveFrom helped Rivian and what Uber’s next-generation playbook looks like
The article from TechCrunch Mobility provides insights into recent developments in the transportation and mobility sector, focusing on key industry players and emerging partnerships. It highlights Elon Musk’s ongoing turbulent relationship with political figures, particularly his fallout with former President Donald Trump, which may have broad implications for Tesla’s business, including its autonomous vehicle initiatives and regulatory dealings. The article notes Musk’s pattern of volatile alliances and predicts continued instability affecting Tesla’s robotaxi experiments and legislative efforts like the Autonomous Vehicle Acceleration Act. A significant revelation is that Jony Ive’s design firm LoveFrom collaborated with Rivian’s design team during the development of a skunkworks program that eventually became a standalone company, underscoring the importance of creative partnerships in automotive innovation. The piece also covers notable deals such as Joby Aviation’s memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabian conglomerate Abdul Latif Jameel, potentially accelerating Joby’s electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle market entry in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, several startups received funding rounds, including Obvio, which uses AI to improve driving safety, Portless, an e-commerce logistics startup, and Toma, an AI voice technology company targeting car dealerships. The article briefly mentions executive changes at Uber, suggesting these shifts may signal strategic moves for the company’s next-generation mobility playbook, though details are incomplete. Overall, the piece offers a snapshot of dynamic collaborations, funding activities, and leadership changes shaping the future of transportation technology.
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WaymoToyotaautonomous-vehiclesride-hailingcollaborationclean-technologyself-driving-carsWaymo and Toyota are dating. If they get serious, a new autonomous vehicle could be created.
WaymoToyotaautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-carstechnology-partnershipsautomotive-innovationfuture-mobilityWaymo’s Not-So-Secret Weapon for Rapid Growth
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