Tech3 outletsover 12h
Atoms, a startup founded by former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick, is developing robotaxi technology. The company hired former Uber self-driving chief Anthony Levandowski after acquiring his mining-automation startup Pronto and employs more than 2,000 staff. Uber has invested $100 million in Atoms and is an equity partner, while the firm says it does not plan to enter the saturated robotaxi market.
TechMeme·The Next Web·TechCrunch
Tech5 outlets
Uber has introduced an optional safety feature for teen accounts that lets parents or guardians watch a live video stream of their child’s ride. The stream comes from the driver’s front-facing phone camera, allowing parents to see the interior of the vehicle while the trip is in progress. This capability is available on demand.
The Verge·TechCrunch·Engadget·TechMeme·The Next Web
Tech3 outlets
Nevada has approved permits for Tesla, Uber and Waymo to launch paid robotaxi services in the Las Vegas area. Tesla may deploy up to 5,000 robotaxis over the next year, while Uber and Waymo each receive authorization for up to 1,000 vehicles. All three companies can now operate their autonomous fleets commercially in Nevada.
TechCrunch·TechMeme·Engadget
Tech3 outlets
Travis Kalanick’s robotics venture has secured $1.7 billion in new funding, with the round led by venture firm a16z. Uber contributed to the financing, and Ben Horowitz is set to join the company’s board as part of the investment. The capital raise marks a major step in Kalanick’s return to the robotics sector.
TechCrunch·TechMeme·The Next Web
Tech4 outletsover 2h
Waymo and Uber have ended their robotaxi partnership in Phoenix after nearly three years of collaboration, and Uber is no longer offering Waymo rides in the city. Uber indicated it is preparing to launch a separate autonomous-vehicle partnership in Phoenix.
TechCrunch·TechMeme·The Next Web·Engadget
Tech3 outlets
Lucid Motors has sold additional robotaxis to Uber, with the ride-hailing company agreeing to purchase more than 35,000 vehicles. Uber has invested $200 million in the electric-vehicle maker, bringing its total investment to $500 million. Lucid also announced the appointment of a new chief executive officer.
TechMeme·TechCrunch·The Verge
Tech3 outlets
Volkswagen has started testing its ID. Buzz robotaxis in Los Angeles. The fleet is being operated in partnership with Uber, with the vehicles running as self-driving microbuses. The trials are part of a broader rollout plan for the autonomous minibus service.
Engadget·TechCrunch·The Next Web
Tech5 outlets
Uber has agreed to invest $1.25 billion in Rivian for a new robotaxi partnership. The deal will see Rivian supply 50,000 Level 4 autonomous vehicles to Uber, with the investment phased and contingent on Rivian meeting specified autonomy milestones, beginning with a $300 million payment at signing.
The Verge·TechCrunch·TechMeme·The Next Web·Engadget
Tech4 outletsover 16h
A federal jury in Phoenix found Uber liable for a passenger’s sexual assault and ordered the company to pay $8.5 million in damages. The verdict marks the first time Uber has been held responsible for a driver’s rape, creating a precedent that could affect thousands of similar lawsuits.
TechMeme·The Verge·Engadget·Hacker News
Tech3 outletsover 15m
Waabi, a Toronto-based autonomous-trucking startup, has secured a total of $1 billion in financing, including a $750 million Series C round. The company is partnering with Uber, which may invest up to $250 million contingent on performance, to launch 25,000 robotaxis that will operate exclusively on Uber’s platform, shifting its focus from trucks to robotaxi services.
TechCrunch·The Verge·TechMeme