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Waymo's Self-Driving Future Takes Off

Waymo is logging more than 200,000 paid robotaxi rides every week, according to Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, who shared the stat about the tech giant's subsidiary on X. Waymo commercially operates robotaxis in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix. The 200,000-weekly trips milestone is notable for a company that was providing only 10,000 rides a week two years ago.

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Uber Users in Austin Are Getting Matched with Waymo Robotaxis Δ1.83

Uber users in Austin now have a choice between a Waymo robotaxi and a human driver. The two companies officially launched Tuesday the “Waymo on Uber” robotaxi service in Austin as part of a partnership that has deepened in recent months. Starting today, Uber users who hail a ride may be matched with a Waymo robotaxi.

Waymo Is Now Available Exclusively on Uber in Austin Δ1.83

Waymo has launched its autonomous ride-hailing service exclusively on Uber in Austin, Texas, allowing residents to request fully driverless robotaxis through the Uber app. This partnership marks a significant shift from their previous rivalry, as both companies aim to accelerate the transition to autonomous vehicles while navigating operational limitations in service area and fleet size. The collaboration also highlights the evolving landscape of transportation technology, with Uber managing key aspects of fleet operations and Waymo focusing on vehicle testing and rider support.

How Uber's New Product Chief Is Gearing Up For Robotaxis Δ1.83

Uber's new chief product officer, Sachin Kansal, is preparing to integrate autonomous vehicles, including Waymo robotaxis, into the Uber app, a complex challenge that will test his well-known dogfooding strategy. His extensive firsthand experience with Uber's services positions him to address potential issues as the company partners with various autonomous technology firms to enhance its market presence. The launch of the "Waymo on Uber" service in Austin exemplifies a shift in Uber's approach to autonomous technology, emphasizing collaboration over in-house development amid ongoing controversies surrounding driver displacement.

Self-Driving Cars: Google and Others Map the Road to Automated Vehicles Δ1.79

General Motors has announced the discontinuation of its Cruise robotaxi service, a decision that highlights the challenges faced by companies in the autonomous vehicle sector. CEO Mary Barra cited high costs and regulatory difficulties as primary reasons for the shift in focus toward privately owned driverless cars, reflecting a significant pivot in GM's strategy. The financial burden of the Cruise project, which reported a staggering loss of $3.48 billion in 2023, raises questions about the viability of shared autonomous mobility services.

Tesla Kicks Off Approval Process for Robotaxi in California: Buy Now? Δ1.78

Tesla has taken a major step toward launching its long-anticipated autonomous ride-hailing service, filing for regulatory approval in California. It has applied for a transportation charter-party carrier permit from the California Public Utilities Commission, signaling its intent to own and operate a fleet of ride-sharing vehicles in the state. While Tesla’s initial rollout will involve human drivers, the ultimate goal is a driverless robotaxi network.

Chinese Ride-Hail Firm Didi Seeks $5B Valuation for Self-Driving Unit Δ1.77

Didi Autonomous Driving, a key player in China's autonomous vehicle market, is reportedly seeking fresh funding for its technology unit at a valuation of $5 billion. The company has raised a total of $1.55 billion to date and is testing a fleet of over 200 autonomous vehicles across several Chinese cities. Didi's plans to expand production and commercialize its robotaxis are expected to be funded through the upcoming investment round.

Hyundai Partners with Avride to Develop Robotaxis in Autonomous Vehicles Deal Δ1.77

Hyundai Motor Company has agreed to jointly develop autonomous vehicles with Avride, a spinoff from Yandex. The partnership will focus on autonomous vehicle technology designed for robotaxis, with the two companies also exploring other use cases such as autonomous delivery services using Avride's sidewalk delivery robots. Under the deal, Avride will expand its fleet of Hyundai Ioniq 5 vehicles and integrate them with its autonomous technology.

Weride Turns a Corner in China; Is It Time to Park the Stock in Your Portfolio? Δ1.77

If WeRide successfully launches its new robotaxi service, the GXR, in Beijing, it may mark a significant turning point for the self-driving car specialist. The company's progress in expanding operations in global markets and receiving regulatory approvals could be seen as positive indicators of its growth trajectory. However, investors should also consider the challenges WeRide faces regarding its financial performance.

Hyundai Motor Co Partners with Avride to Expand Robotaxi Fleet Δ1.75

Avride has partnered with Hyundai Motor Co to expand its fleet of robotaxis, and signed a deal with the South Korean automaker to jointly develop and operate self-driving vehicles. The partnership will enable Avride to increase its fleet to 100 Hyundai IONIQ 5 cars this year, expanding into new regions and enhancing its self-driving system. This move solidifies Avride's position as a major player in the autonomous vehicle industry.

Xpeng Shares Jump on Plans to Make Flying Cars, Humanoid Robots Δ1.75

Xpeng Inc. shares rose after the company’s chairman said it plans to start mass production of its flying car model and industrial robots by 2026. The company's ambitions for autonomous vehicles are expected to significantly boost revenue in the coming years. Xpeng's innovative projects have garnered widespread attention from investors and experts alike, sparking interest in the potential impact on the automotive industry.

China’s Geely Introduces New Smart Driving System. Δ1.72

Geely's introduction of the new G-Pilot smart driving system marks a significant step forward in autonomous vehicle technology, allowing for more efficient and safer transportation. The G-Pilot system will be integrated into cars under various brands, including Geely Auto, Galaxy, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr, with pricing starting at 149,800 yuan for the electric sedan Galaxy E8. This development is expected to enhance the driving experience and reduce the workload of human drivers.

TSMC’s Sales Quicken in First Two Months, Upbeat Note for AI Δ1.72

TSMC's revenue climbed 39% in the first two months, outpacing previous growth and indicating resilient demand for Nvidia chips powering AI development. The company's robust performance signals a strong tailwind for the AI sector, with analysts projecting further growth of around 41% this quarter. As the manufacturer of most AI chips worldwide, TSMC's sales are closely watched by Wall Street and Silicon Valley.

Tesla's AI and Robotics Efforts Get Top Pick Status From Morgan Stanley, Boosting Shares. Δ1.71

Tesla shares rose 2% on Monday after Morgan Stanley reinstated the electric-vehicle maker as its top U.S. auto pick, saying the company's artificial intelligence and robotics efforts could power growth even as the mainstay car business stumbles. The note dated Sunday was the latest from analyst Adam Jonas, a longtime Tesla bull who has praised the company's push beyond autos as sales face pressure from high U.S. borrowing costs and fierce Chinese competition. Industry data showed Tesla sales fell 45% in Europe in January while overall EV sales jumped 37% in the region.

China's Full Truck Alliance Eyes Hong Kong Listing, Strong 2025 Growth, Says Executive Δ1.71

Full Truck Alliance (FTA), China's "Uber for trucks", may re-examine plans for a second listing in Hong Kong as investor sentiment rebounds and Sino-U.S. tensions escalate, according to the company. The Chinese logistics firm reported strong earnings in 2024, with revenue increasing by 33% year-on-year, driven by growing digital adoption and increased order volume. FTA's strong performance has lifted stock prices of Chinese tech firms listed in Hong Kong, boosting liquidity and valuation.

Japan's Service Robot Market Projected to Triple in Five Years Δ1.71

The Japanese service robot market is expected to nearly triple by 2030, driven by the need to supplement a workforce facing an aging population and labor shortages, research firm Fuji Keizai has projected. The country's population is rapidly aging, with nearly 40% of citizens expected to be 65 or older by 2065, and robots are being used to fill the gap in labor, particularly in industries such as hospitality and healthcare. As a result, businesses are turning to service robots to support their operations.

China's Robotics Start-Ups Emerge as New Venture-Capital Darlings Δ1.71

China's robotics sector is experiencing a surge in venture-capital investment, with start-ups in humanoid robot development securing nearly 2 billion yuan (US$276 million) in funding in just the first two months of the year. This growth marks a significant increase from the previous year and positions China to potentially rival its electric-vehicle industry in importance. With a strong presence in the global market, Chinese firms are on track to achieve mass production and commercialization of humanoid robots by 2025.

Startups Weekly: Startups Raised Funding to Help Others Navigate Challenges Δ1.71

This week in the startup world saw a mix of triumphs and trials, with some companies achieving significant revenue milestones while others faced legal challenges. Notable highlights include fintech startup Ramp doubling its annualized revenue to $700 million and Gong surpassing $300 million in annualized revenue, positioning itself for a potential IPO. Meanwhile, emerging companies like Ataraxis AI and Grain are addressing critical issues such as cancer treatment predictions and foreign exchange volatility with new funding rounds.

China’s Geely Introduces New Smart Driving System Δ1.70

Geely's new G-Pilot smart driving system is set to revolutionize the automotive industry with its advanced autonomous technology. The system will be available on various models under Geely Auto, Galaxy, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr brands, marking a significant step towards China's growing presence in the global EV market. As G-Pilot continues to evolve, it has the potential to redefine driver experience and safety standards.

AI-Powered Insurance Startup Nirvana Seeks to Weather Trucking Industry Storms Δ1.70

Nirvana, an AI-based insurance platform, has raised $80 million in new funding, valuing it at $830 million post-money, as the US trucking industry prepares for potential disruptions due to Trump's economic policies. The startup's platform uses real-time driving telematics and 20 billion miles of truck driving data to build and manage insurance policies for truckers, aiming to help them weather increased costs. With a growing market and high demand for its services, Nirvana is poised to capitalize on the challenges facing the industry.

US AI Startups Raise Record-Breaking Amounts in 2025 Δ1.70

Nine US AI startups have raised $100 million or more in funding so far this year, marking a significant increase from last year's count of 49 startups that reached this milestone. The latest round was announced on March 3 and was led by Lightspeed with participation from prominent investors such as Salesforce Ventures and Menlo Ventures. As the number of US AI companies continues to grow, it is clear that the industry is experiencing a surge in investment and innovation.

Faraday Future Announces ‘FF Open AI Day’ to Showcase Current and Future AI Strategy Developments Δ1.70

Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc. has announced the 'FF Open AI Day' event, scheduled for March 16, which will showcase the company's current and future AI strategy developments. The event, to be held at its Los Angeles headquarters, aims to foster collaboration with global developers and AI experts to propel industry-wide innovation in intelligent mobility. By hosting this event, Faraday Future is redefining mobility through AI innovation.

Humanoid Robot that Moves Like Us—For Better or Worse Δ1.70

The creation of the Protoclone, a humanoid robot capable of remarkably human-like movement, brings science fiction into reality. With its eerily lifelike design and over 1,000 artificial muscle fibers, the machine is set to revolutionize industries such as healthcare and manufacturing. The implications of this development are far-reaching, ranging from assisting individuals with disabilities to serving as lifelike prosthetics for amputees.

Zoom Sees Ai Momentum as Enterprise Revenue Grows Δ1.70

Zoom's full fiscal-year 2025 earnings call highlighted a major advancement in artificial intelligence, solidifying its position as an AI-first work platform. CEO Eric Yuan emphasized the value of AI Companion, which has driven significant growth in monthly active users and customer adoption. The company's focus on AI is expected to continue transforming its offerings, including Phone, Teams Chat, Events, Docs, and more.

MIPS Shifts Strategy to Robots and Chips Design Δ1.69

MIPS, a decades-old Silicon Valley company, is shifting its strategy to design a suite of chips for artificial intelligence-enabled robots. The company, which was once known for processing data quickly in specialized applications like networking gear and self-driving cars, will focus on three key areas: sensing, calculation, and motor control. By designing its own chips, MIPS aims to increase competitiveness in the rapidly growing robotics market.

Xiaomi to Sell EVs Globally 'Within the Next Few Years' After Launching $73,000 Premium Car Δ1.69

Xiaomi plans to expand its electric vehicle (EV) business beyond China's borders within the next few years, according to company President William Lu, who made the announcement at a product launch event in Barcelona. The Chinese tech giant's first luxury EV model, the SU7 Ultra, has already garnered significant interest with 15,000 orders in just 24 hours. As Xiaomi looks to challenge Tesla and other players in the global EV market, it must navigate complex regulatory environments and ensure the quality of its vehicles.