Articles tagged with "transportation-technology"
Voi CEO says he’s open to acquiring Bolt’s micromobility business
Voi CEO Frederik Hjelm has expressed openness to acquiring Bolt’s micromobility business, although Bolt’s scooter and bike operations are not confirmed to be for sale. Hjelm highlighted the challenges Bolt faces in excelling across multiple verticals, including ride-hailing, grocery and food delivery, and car rentals. He emphasized that micromobility is particularly difficult due to its hardware demands and lack of network effects seen in other services like food delivery or ride-hailing. Hjelm also argued that local users of dockless e-scooters and e-bikes prioritize affordability and experience over brand loyalty or the convenience of a “super app,” suggesting that brand recognition alone does not guarantee a superior user experience. Other industry executives echoed skepticism about Bolt’s micromobility strategy. Bird’s Washinushi criticized Bolt for using price as a loss leader, leveraging revenue from other business areas to subsidize micromobility growth without significant investment in operational excellence. In contrast, companies like
micromobilityelectric-scooterse-bikesshared-mobilitytransportation-technologyride-hailingurban-mobilityWaymo 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-technologyWaymo 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-innovationInductive Charging Experiment In Germany - CleanTechnica
The article discusses an innovative inductive charging experiment underway in Bavaria, Germany, led by Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen Nürnberg (FAU) and partners including the Federal Autobahn and Israeli company Electreon. The project involves embedding copper coils beneath a one-kilometer stretch of the A6 highway near Nuremberg to wirelessly charge specially equipped electric vehicles as they drive or stop over the coils. This dynamic inductive charging system, similar in principle to wireless phone charging, aims to reduce reliance on large, expensive batteries and alleviate range anxiety by providing continuous power on the road with over 90% efficiency. Scheduled to begin testing in the second half of 2025, the E|MPOWER project seeks to evaluate both the technical performance and economic feasibility of integrating inductive charging into heavy goods transport infrastructure. Key goals include optimizing coil manufacturing and installation methods to lower costs and installation times. Bavarian officials and FAU leadership emphasize the potential of this technology to revolutionize e-mobility by enabling seamless
energyinductive-chargingelectric-vehicleswireless-power-transfere-mobilityelectric-road-systemtransportation-technologyWaymo 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-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-innovationa16z-backed Infinite Machine shows off cheaper, modular electric scooter
Infinite Machine, a New York-based micromobility startup backed by a16z, has unveiled the Olto, a seated electric scooter priced at $3,495, set to ship later this year. The Olto offers a 40-mile range powered by a swappable 48V lithium-ion battery and features a 750W rear hub motor capable of reaching 20 mph in bike lanes and 33 mph off-road. Designed with modularity in mind, the scooter allows users to attach accessories such as child carriers, rear racks, or baskets. It also includes fold-out pedals that provide pedal-assist propulsion, enabling it to function similarly to an e-bike. The dual-suspension frame supports two riders, enhancing comfort and versatility. This launch positions the Olto as a more affordable alternative to Infinite Machine’s flagship P1 scooter, which costs $10,000 and resembles a Cybertruck-style two-wheeler. Despite the competitive and challenging U.S. micromobility market
electric-scootermicromobilitylithium-ion-batterymodular-designelectric-vehiclee-biketransportation-technologyWaymo 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-servicesElon 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-technologyTesla 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-roboticsAutonomous trucking developer Plus goes public via SPAC - The Robot Report
Plus Automation Inc., a developer of autonomous driving software for commercial trucks, is going public through a merger with Churchill Capital Corp IX, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). The combined company will operate as PlusAI, with a mission to address the trucking industry’s driver shortage by delivering advanced autonomous vehicle technology. Founded in 2016 and based in Santa Clara, California, Plus has deployed its technology across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, accumulating over 5 million miles of autonomous driving. Its core product, SuperDrive, enables SAE Level 4 autonomous driving with a three-layer redundancy system designed specifically for heavy commercial trucks. Plus achieved a significant driver-out safety validation milestone in April 2025 and is conducting public road testing in Texas and Sweden, targeting a commercial launch of factory-built autonomous trucks in 2027. Plus emphasizes an OEM-led commercialization strategy, partnering with major vehicle manufacturers such as TRATON GROUP, Hyundai, and IVECO to integrate its virtual driver software directly into factory-built trucks. This approach leverages trusted manufacturing and service networks to scale deployment and provide fleet operators with a clear path to autonomy. Strategic collaborations with companies like DSV, Bosch, and NVIDIA support this effort. Notably, Plus and IVECO launched an automated trucking pilot in Germany in partnership with logistics provider DSV and retailer dm-drogerie markt, demonstrating real-world applications of their technology. The SPAC transaction values Plus at a pre-money equity valuation of $1.2 billion and is expected to raise $300 million in gross proceeds, which will fund the company through its planned commercial launch in 2027. The deal has been unanimously approved by both companies’ boards and is anticipated to close in Q4 2025, pending shareholder approval and customary closing conditions. This public listing marks a significant step for Plus as it scales its autonomous trucking technology to address industry challenges and expand globally.
robotautonomous-trucksAImachine-learningcommercial-vehiclesLevel-4-autonomytransportation-technologyEinride founder steps down as CEO amid push to scale electric, autonomous trucks
electric-trucksautonomous-vehiclescarbon-emissionsfreight-industryelectric-mobilitytransportation-technologysustainable-logisticsAmazon’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-technologyUber & WeRide Expanding Robotaxi Partnership to 15 More Cities
robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclesWeRideUbertransportation-technologysmart-citiesAurora co-founder Sterling Anderson is leaving the self-driving truck startup
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-truckstransportation-technologyAuroraSterling-Andersonelectric-vehiclesTesla ‘Robotaxi’ trademark refused for being too generic
robotIoTautonomous-vehiclestransportation-technologyelectric-vehiclesride-hailing-servicestrademark-lawAmazon-owned Zoox issues recall following robotaxi crash
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiZooxself-driving-technologyvehicle-safetytransportation-technologyUber and WeRide set their robotaxi sights on 15 more cities
robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclestransportation-technologyUberWeRidefleet-operationsTechCrunch Mobility: Aurora launches its driverless commercial trucking service, and a surprise bidder joins Canoo’s bankruptcy case
robotautonomous-vehiclestruckingtransportation-technologyAurora-Innovationcommercial-truckingself-driving-trucksAurora launches its driverless commercial trucking service, and a surprise bidder joins Canoo’s bankruptcy case
robotautonomous-vehiclestruckingtransportation-technologyAurora-Innovationfreight-logisticsself-driving-trucks