Cruise to begin testing Origin robotaxis in Austin in coming weeks

Cruise, the self-driving unit under GM, is rolling out its custom-built Origin robotaxi on Austin’s public streets in the next several weeks, CEO Kyle Vogt said while onstage at SXSW. The Origin vehicles won’t be accessible to the public — at least for a while. For now, Cruise will be testing the Origins on public roads in Austin. Last September, Cruise announced plans to launch commercial robotaxi services in Austin, Texas, and Phoenix — two hot spots for autonomous vehicle development — before the end of 2022. The Cruise Origin, the product of a multiyear collaboration with parent company GM and investor Honda that is designed for a ride-sharing service, was first unveiled in January 2020.