AI is coming for one of the most important industries in the US: truck drivers. A new bill recently introduced in the House would establish rules for workers in the new industry, creating the first federal framework for autonomous commercial trucks, including provisions on remote workers and workforce training grants. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on May 22 approved the BUILD America 250 Act, a sweeping five-year transportation bill, that would direct the Department of Transportation to establish safety standards for self-driving trucks. The committee said the piece of legislation represents the "first ever autonomous commercial motor vehicle framework." The bill cleared the committee by a 62-2 vote, making it eligible for consideration by the full House. Among the proposed rules for AVs, the bill would require manufacturers to certify that their vehicles meet federal safety standards before operating across state lines. The legislation also covers the grounds for remote drivers. The bill states that remote workers must be physically located in the US — a provision that comes as lawmakers have raised questions about where autonomous vehicle companies like Waymo base their remote operations. During a Senate hearing in February, Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts grilled Waymo over its use of remote assistance workers in countries outside the US, including the Philippines, calling it "completely unacceptable." The bill text would direct the transportation secretary to require "all remote assistants, driverless operations dispatchers, and remote drivers to be physically located within the United States or any territory of the United States." The bill would also authorize $27.5 million for fiscal year 2027 to establish a workforce development grant program aimed at helping human truck drivers adapt to the rise of autonomous technologies. Eligible programs would include those that train workers with commercial driver's licenses to operate and maintain trucks
May 29, 2026 · via businessinsider.com
- Zeron generated 522 million yuan in revenue in 2025 and achieved positive operating cash flow in the fourth quarter of 2025. - Zeron focuses on new-energy smart heavy-duty trucks, with proprietary autonomous driving technology aimed at significantly reducing costs and boosting efficiency. Zeron, a Chinese electric heavy-duty truck startup, has filed for an initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong, marking an accelerated push into global capital markets just four years after its founding. Dubbed the Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) of trucks in China, Zeron submitted its listing application on May 28 to trade on the Hong Kong stock exchange's main board, according to a filing on the bourse's website. The company was founded in June 2022 by Huang Zehua, a former co-founder of TuSimple, with the ambition of pioneering a new era of global highway transportation robots. The filing follows a flurry of major capital injections in March and May this year. The company completed a 1.2 billion yuan ($177.2 million) funding round in March. Combined with its recent Series B2 round, its cumulative financing over the past two months has reached $400 million. The startup boasts a formidable lineup of investors, gathering top-tier industrial and international capital. Prominent backers including CATL, Temasek, Momenta, Nio Capital, Zijin Mining, and Moutai Investment participated in its recent funding rounds. The addition of industrial capital will propel Zeron's business expansion in core scenarios such as mining transportation and industrial logistics. Meanwhile, the participation of international capital reflects sustained global investor interest in China's autonomous driving industry. Zeron is the world's first company to possess both vertical integration capabilities for smart heavy trucks and end-to-end autonomous driving technology, according to its prospectus. Its autonomous driving system is the industry's first end-to-end multimodal large language model for autonomous driving. The system enables full-process automation
May 29, 2026 · via cnevpost.com
Torc Robotics has announced a strategic partnership with Mila – Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, marking what the company says is the first autonomous-trucking partnership within Mila’s ecosystem. The collaboration is designed to strengthen Torc’s artificial intelligence and autonomy research as the company continues developing self-driving trucks for long-haul freight applications. Through the partnership, Torc will establish a presence within Mila’s Montreal-based ecosystem, gaining access to academic researchers, faculty, and students working across machine learning and applied AI. The collaboration also includes dedicated research space on site and will focus on advancing physical AI capabilities that can support real-world autonomous vehicle deployment. For commercial transportation, the announcement reflects the growing role of advanced AI research in moving autonomous trucking from controlled testing environments toward scalable freight operations. Torc said the partnership will support work in areas including generative world models, multi-agent behavior modeling, reinforcement learning, and foundation models for physical AI systems. “Torc is focused on building safe, scalable autonomous trucks, and advancing the next generation of physical AI is central to that mission,” said Felix Heide, head of artificial intelligence at Torc. “As a long-time Mila collaborator, I can definitively say that partnering enables deeper collaboration at the intersection of research and real-world deployment, collaboration that supports continued progress toward commercializing autonomous trucking at scale.” Mila, based in Montreal, is a leading AI research center that is recognized for its work in deep learning and machine learning. By embedding within Mila’s research environment, Torc is seeking to deepen its work on AI systems that can better connect simulation, perception, decision-making, and real-world vehicle performance. Christopher Pal, core academic member at Mila, scientific co-director of IVADO, and professor at Polytechnique Montréal, said the partnership creates opportunities for students and researchers to work on practical challenges in physical AI while contributing to
May 29, 2026 · via act-news.com
Glean, a company often described as the Google for enterprise, said it has reached $300 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR), a three-fold increase from the $100 million milestone it reached just 15 months ago. While many AI startups are growing at a blistering pace, Glean’s progress is particularly remarkable. After years of essentially being the only player in the category, the seven-year-old startup is accelerating its growth as tech giants enter the enterprise AI search market with rival products. “The first four or five years of our existence, we had no competition,” Glean CEO Arvind Jain told TechCrunch. “Given how important search is to make AI work in the enterprise, every single company in the world wants to be in this space.” Tech heavyweights building Glean-like tools include Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic, Salesforce, and Atlassian. Jain maintains that there’s value in being a first mover in the space, but that it’s also equally important to offer a better product. What Glean does better than its competition, according to Jain, comes down to the deep understanding that its AI tools have of customers’ business needs. Glean’s AI achieves this knowledge — a concept captured by the new, popular term “context graph” — by connecting to and learning from enterprises’ internal software systems. Jain claims that Glean’s context graph also helps enterprises cut AI computing costs. “If you connect your AI to Glean, it gives you all the information that you need to do your work, and that results in AI consuming far fewer tokens compared to if you unleash AI onto your systems directly,” Jain said. That’s because with Glean, AI ends up performing fewer operations, he added. At a time when many companies are blowing through their AI budgets, those token cost savings have become a major selling point
May 29, 2026 · via techcrunch.com
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May 29, 2026 · via youtube.com
Aurora Innovation Inc. stocks have been trading up by 4.26 percent after upbeat autonomous trucking progress fueled investor optimism. Live Update At 17:03:49 EDT: On Thursday, May 28, 2026 Aurora Innovation Inc. stock [NASDAQ: AUR] is trending up by 4.26%! Discover the key drivers behind this movement as well as our expert analysis in the detailed breakdown below. Quick Financial Overview Aurora Innovation, trading under ticker AUR, is acting like a classic high‑growth, pre‑profit story. Revenue is still tiny at about $3.0M over the trailing period, yet the market is valuing the autonomous trucking platform at a steep price‑to‑sales multiple above 3,400. That tells traders one thing: the street is trading AUR on future potential, not current earnings power. On the income side, AUR is burning cash to build its network. The latest quarter shows roughly $223M in net losses, with heavy research and development spending around $195M and operating cash flow near -$159M. Profitability ratios are deep in the red, with returns on equity and assets heavily negative, which is normal for a company trying to commercialize a new technology platform. The balance sheet is the safety net for traders. Aurora Innovation shows around $1.23B in cash and short‑term investments, low debt (debt‑to‑equity near 0.04), and a strong current ratio around 9.5. That kind of liquidity gives AUR runway to keep scaling driverless operations. On the chart, AUR has pulled back from recent highs near the low $8s to close around $7.07 on 2026/05/28, but the daily candles still show higher lows versus early May. Intraday, the tape on 2026/05/28 was steady: AUR opened near $6.75, dipped briefly below $6.75, then trended higher through the session, topping around $7.39 before settling just above $7. The 5‑minute chart shows controlled grinding action rather than wild spikes, suggesting consolidation after a
May 28, 2026 · via timothysykes.com
Torc Robotics announced Tuesday a new partnership with Mila — the Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute — becoming the only autonomous trucking company to join the institute. Torc is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG and, as part of the partnership, will gain access to one of the world’s leading centers advancing machine learning research. The collaboration also opens access to top-tier academic talent, including students, researchers and faculty. The partnership includes dedicated research space on site and is designed to build on Torc’s existing AI and autonomy research. “We are excited to welcome Torc as an industry partner, as it becomes an even stronger component of Mila’s ecosystem,” said Christopher Pal, core academic member at Mila, scientific co-director of IVADO and professor at Polytechnique Montréal. “This partnership brings together academic excellence and real-world deployment, creating opportunities for our students and researchers to work on impactful challenges in physical AI while advancing the state of the art in autonomous systems.” Mila has an alumni network of AI talent who have gone on to leadership roles at companies like Google and OpenAI. Torc will deepen its research into areas including generative world models, multi-agent behavior modeling, reinforcement learning, and foundation models for physical AI systems, the company said. “Torc is focused on building safe, scalable autonomous trucks, and advancing the next generation of physical AI is central to that mission,” said Felix Heide, head of artificial intelligence at Torc. “As a long-time Mila collaborator, I can definitively say that partnering enables deeper collaboration at the intersection of research and real-world deployment, collaboration that supports continued progress toward commercializing autonomous trucking at scale.” Torc is not new to Montreal and Canada, having had an affiliation with Mila since 2020. “As autonomous vehicle technology becomes closer to a reality, it is exciting and important
May 28, 2026 · via tech.yahoo.com
Tesla introduced its supervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) system in China, expanding availability of the assisted-driving package to local Tesla owners after years of testing and regulatory review. Marketed as "intelligent assisted driving," the feature uses Tesla’s camera- and AI-based driving stack to automate navigation and driving tasks while still requiring active human supervision. Tesla added China to the list of markets supporting FSD Supervised and priced the one-time upgrade for Model 3 buyers at 64,000 yuan ($9,410). The company worked with local partners to map Chinese roads ahead of launch and differentiated the supervised software from its unsupervised robotaxi operations currently limited to select U.S. cities. Prior to the rollout, Tesla customers in China only had access to Autopilot and Enhanced Autopilot systems. For drivers, the launch introduces more advanced assisted-driving capabilities intended to reduce workload during highway and urban travel while maintaining human oversight. The expansion reflects the broader global trend of phased autonomy rollouts shaped by regional regulation and infrastructure readiness. Self-Driving Packages Tesla Adds Its Full Self-Driving Option To China Trend Themes - Phased Autonomy Rollouts — A staged approach to deploying driving automation across regions creates openings for modular software platforms that align feature sets with local regulations and infrastructure readiness. - Camera-and-AI Driving Stacks — Widespread adoption of vision-first, AI-based driving systems signals potential for specialized sensor fusion algorithms and compute-optimized perception modules tailored to mass-market vehicles. - Supervised Autonomy Models — Supervised-autonomy offerings that keep human oversight while automating complex tasks open space for human-machine interfaces and monitoring tools that enhance situational awareness and trust. Industry Implications - Automotive Manufacturing — Integration of advanced assisted-driving suites into production models presents opportunities for new vehicle architectures, thermal and power management solutions, and OEM-software co-development. - Mapping and Geospatial Services — Localized high-definition mapping and continual
May 28, 2026 · via trendhunter.com
A new Texas law regulating commercial automated motor vehicles took effect Thursday, requiring companies operating self-driving vehicles for passenger or freight services to obtain state authorization from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). The requirements under Senate Bill 2807 establish a statewide framework for safety, reporting and compliance as autonomous technology expands across the state, including in Dallas-Fort Worth. TxDMV opened applications for authorization earlier this year ahead of the May 28 enforcement date. Companies must comply with the new rules to legally operate automated vehicles for commercial purposes on public roads. The department will also handle investigations into incidents that could result in serious injury or death. According to TxDMV, “to receive an authorization, applicants must provide basic company information and certify that each automated motor vehicle they operate: - Complies with all applicable Texas traffic and motor vehicle laws - Is equipped with a required recording device - Uses an automated driving system that complies with federal law - Can achieve a minimal risk condition in the event of system failure - Is properly titled and registered - Maintains required motor vehicle insurance” The law applies to operators of automated passenger vehicles, such as robotaxis, as well as freight and semi-truck operations. It follows the growth of services like Waymo in Texas cities, including Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. TxDMV will review concerns about automated vehicles operating in ways that could cause serious bodily injury or death. The department noted that it is unlikely to take administrative action in cases that do not meet the threshold defined by the Texas Penal Code. State leaders have positioned the regulations as a balance between fostering innovation in the autonomous vehicle sector and ensuring public safety. Texas has seen increased testing and deployment of driverless technology in recent years, as
May 28, 2026 · via dallasexpress.com
Bloomberg/Getty Images © 2026 Blaze Media LLC. All rights reserved. A longtime trucker exposes the real motivations behind the push for autonomous 18-wheelers. Americans have become strangely accustomed to driverless cars. In cities like San Francisco and Austin, people casually summon Waymo robo-taxis the way they once called Uber. Now imagine the same technology attached to an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer moving at highway speed. My fellow truckers already know the problem. Modern collision-avoidance systems have been triggered by shadows, weather conditions, lighting changes, and animals. It’s happening; large carriers are already purchasing hundreds of robotically operated highway trucks as they prepare to eliminate one of the country’s most common occupations: the truck driver. Supermarket swindle Those pimping the technology tell us it is the necessary solution to a catastrophic shortage of truckers, with the additional benefit of making the roads safer. As I explain in my new book, "End of the Road: Inside the War on Truckers," neither claim holds up under scrutiny. This hardly matters, as the demand for more road robots is hardly organic. Instead, it is the product of a massive marketing campaign designed to acclimate us to a radical new future, one that may ultimately curtail the rights of all American drivers. Picture something like the “motor law” envisioned in the classic Rush track “Red Barchetta.” The late Neil Peart was a man who understood the precious freedom of the open road. Waymo robo-taxis already roam San Francisco and Austin, while autonomous tractor-trailers test on Texas interstates. The technology, however, remains immature and heavily dependent on human oversight. You won’t see this mentioned in recent paid content from Aurora Innovation, one of the leading developers of autonomous big-rig systems. Almost seamlessly inserted among actual articles on online news platform Axios, the piece’s headline promises to explain “the
May 28, 2026 · via theblaze.com
Autonomous driving struggles in environments ruled by randomness, but logistics is often the opposite: Routes are known. Movements repeat. Safety rules are strict. Reliability matters more than speed. That combination makes logistics one of the most practical places for autonomy to scale responsibly. For our business, autonomous electric vehicles help address several pressures at once.
For one, it offers greater operational resilience in the face of fluctuating driver availability. By 2030, the US alone will be lacking around 160,000 truck drivers; in Europe some 745,000 driver roles will go unfilled by 2028 (source: mckinsey.com).
Another expected boon is safety: Sensor-based navigation systems reduce collision risk in low-speed, repetitive environments like warehouses, yards, and campus logistics (source: mdpi.com, nature.com).
Despite concerns to the contrary, autonomy is likely to reshape jobs rather than replace them, absorbing repetitive transport tasks while people focus on coordination, exception handling and continuous improvement.
For customers, the use of autonomous vehicles leads to higher reliability and the ability to scale faster. But in terms of day-to-day operations, the impact is largely invisible. And that’s exactly the point.
May 28, 2026 · via dhl.com
"Actionable Insights to Fuel Your Growth" The global autonomous mining equipment market size was valued at USD 4.24 billion in 2025. The market is projected to grow from USD 4.71 billion in 2026 to USD 11.06 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.27% during the forecast period. Autonomous mining equipment represents a transformative advancement in the mining industry, enabling the automation of critical operations such as drilling, hauling, loading, and material handling with minimal human intervention. These systems integrate advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, machine learning, GPS, LiDAR, and real-time data analytics to enhance operational precision, safety, and productivity. Unlike conventional mining equipment, autonomous solutions operate through centralized control systems and sensor-driven navigation, allowing continuous and optimized performance even in complex and hazardous mining environments. Widely adopted across surface and underground mining applications, these technologies play a vital role in improving operational efficiency, reducing labor dependency, and ensuring consistent output, making them an essential component of modern digital mining ecosystems. The demand for autonomous mining equipment is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing pressure on mining companies to improve productivity, reduce operational costs, and enhance worker safety. The rising complexity of ore extraction, declining ore grades, and the need for efficient resource utilization are accelerating the adoption of automation technologies across mining operations. Additionally, advancements in connectivity, edge computing, and predictive analytics are enabling real-time decision-making and seamless equipment coordination. Industry trends such as smart mining, digital transformation, and the integration of IoT-enabled systems are further supporting market expansion. The global market is moderately consolidated, characterized by the strong presence of leading mining equipment manufacturers alongside specialized technology providers. Key players such as Caterpillar Inc., Komatsu Ltd., Sandvik AB, Epiroc AB, and Hitachi Construction Machinery dominate the market through advanced autonomous haulage systems, drilling solutions, and integrated digital platforms.
May 28, 2026 · via fortunebusinessinsights.com
Autonomous mining trucks, house-sized giants that operate without anyone in the cabin, have already moved more than 8.6 billion tons of rock and ore in mines around the world, and the manufacturer behind them ensures that all this mountain was transported without a single recorded injury. The number comes from the command system that pilots the largest fleet of autonomous mining trucks on the planet, operated by one of the American heavy machinery giants. Today, there are hundreds of these vehicles working in dozens of mines spread across three continents, all guided by software, radars, and satellite, without a driver inside. And what is most impressive is not just the amount moved, but the fact that it was achieved without any accident with casualties. 8.6 billion tons, more than a thousand pyramids It’s hard to grasp the size of this number, so a comparison is worthwhile. The Great Pyramid of Giza weighs about 5.9 million tons. The 8.6 billion tons already moved by these trucks are equivalent to transporting more than 1,400 Great Pyramids entirely from one place to another. And each vehicle is colossal: the largest mining trucks carry almost 400 tons per trip, with tires taller than an adult person. Inside, the autonomous trucks manage with a combination of high-precision GPS, radars, laser sensors, and a central control that communicates with each vehicle in real-time. They see obstacles, avoid each other, and stop on their own if someone or something crosses in front, all without a steering wheel turning. The technology began to be tested in the last decade and has been scaling mine by mine, and is already preparing to reach smaller models and medium-sized operations. In practice, an entire mine can operate in the dark because the machine doesn’t need to see like we do. -
May 27, 2026 · via en.clickpetroleoegas.com.br
Kenworth announced two executive leadership appointments effective July 1. The OEM named Peter Ahrens as general manager and Paccar vice president. Joe Adams was also announced as Kenworth’s new assistant general manager of operations. Ahrens succeeds to the top leadership role after previously serving as Kenworth’s assistant general manager of operations. Ad Loading... Ahrens has spent 15 years with Paccar in a variety of leadership positions, including Paccar Parts product director, director of product marketing, and managing director of Paccar subsidiary Leyland Trucks in the United Kingdom. “I am honored and excited to step into this role and lead Kenworth during a transformative time for our industry,” Ahrens said in a statement. “Kenworth has built a reputation centered on three core values – quality, innovation, and state-of-the-art technology – and I’m committed to strengthening and advancing that legacy,” he added. Ad Loading... Ahrens holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and an MBA from the University of Washington. Adams Moves into Operations Role Joe Adams will assume the role of assistant general manager of operations after most recently serving as Kenworth’s chief engineer. Adams has worked with Paccar for 26 years and has held several engineering and purchasing leadership positions, including Paccar director of purchasing and Paccar assistant chief engineer for North America embedded engineering. He also previously served as Kenworth assistant chief engineer for cab, electrical and outer body development. Adams earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Alabama and an MBA in technical management from the University of Washington. The 2026 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo featured a broad range of commercial vehicle technologies, from EVs to autonomous trucks to the latest diesel and alternative-fuel engines. Developed with Driventic, Hendrickson's new integrated e-axle is designed to improve efficiency, reduce weight, and extend range in Class
May 27, 2026 · via truckinginfo.com
- Einride and EASE Logistics will test cab-less electric trucks in Marysville, Ohio, this summer. - The autonomous trucks will move freight between EASE warehouse locations on private property and local roads. - A remote operator will monitor the trucks off-site and can intervene if needed. - The project will study how driverless freight affects safety, warehouse operations and efficiency. A freight truck with no driver, no cab and no one sitting behind the wheel is starting to sound more familiar. In fact, this summer, that is exactly what is happening on local roads in Marysville, Ohio. EASE Logistics, an Ohio-based logistics company, is partnering with autonomous truck technology company Einride to deploy two cab-less electric trucks between EASE warehouse locations. The two companies recently announced the proof-of-concept service. The trucks will operate on EASE property and local public roads. They will move goods between warehouse locations while the companies collect data on warehousing, distribution and transportation operations. The project is part of the Ohio Department of Transportation’s DriveOhio Truck Automation Corridor Project, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Transportation. The goal is to study how autonomous trucking affects operations, safety and freight efficiency. What are cab-less electric trucks? These are not regular trucks with a driver waiting to take over. Einride’s vehicles are electric, autonomous and cab-less. That means there is no traditional driver’s seat, steering wheel area or cab built for a human operator. The trucks use SAE Level 4 autonomous technology. In other words, that means the vehicle can drive itself under specific approved conditions without a human driver inside. However, the trucks will still have human oversight. A remote operator will monitor them from off-site and can intervene when needed. The companies say that setup helps keep operations running safely and smoothly during the test.
May 27, 2026 · via cyberguy.com
- American Rheinmetall and Harbinger announced a partnership on May 27, 2026 to develop robotic and uncrewed ground vehicles for the U.S. Department of War. - The partnership combines American Rheinmetall's combat vehicle integration with Harbinger's drive-by-wire hybrid-electric chassis, with joint demonstrations planned for summer 2026. American Rheinmetall and electric vehicle startup Harbinger announced a partnership on May 27 to develop and field a family of robotic and uncrewed ground vehicles for the U.S. Department of War, pairing a combat vehicle integration specialist with a commercially derived hybrid-electric chassis designed from the ground up for autonomous operation. The teaming, announced from Garden Grove, California and Houston, Texas, targets Army modernization programs centered on autonomous tactical wheeled vehicles, contested logistics resupply, and next-generation robotic platforms that can operate without a driver in the vehicle. Uncrewed ground vehicles have moved from experimental programs to urgent procurement priorities faster than almost anyone in the Army predicted, driven by the comprehensive demonstration in Ukraine that unmanned systems operating in ground logistics, reconnaissance, and direct support roles can reduce the human exposure that conventional vehicle operations require. The Army’s manned-unmanned teaming concept, which envisions robotic vehicles operating alongside and in support of crewed formations, depends on a supply of autonomous platforms that are capable enough to be trusted in contested environments, affordable enough to field in the numbers required to matter tactically, and rugged enough to survive the punishment that combat operations impose. That last word, attritable, has become the defining requirement: a robot that costs too much to risk losing is a robot commanders will hold back rather than employ aggressively, defeating the purpose of having it. Harbinger’s contribution to the partnership addresses the cost and autonomy-readiness dimensions of that requirement. The California company designs and assembles its powertrain, battery systems, and chassis in-house,
May 27, 2026 · via defence-blog.com
Hutchison Ports ICAVE deploys autonomous vehicles
Hutchison Ports ICAVE announced an investment of over US$3.6 million to enhance automation, electrification, and operational capacity at its terminal in the Port of Veracruz, as part of its strategy to modernize logistics and reduce emissions.
The investment includes the addition of new electric and autonomous equipment designed to optimize internal cargo handling and container transport operations within the port facility.
One of the project’s main components was the acquisition of six Autonomous Trucks for the horizontal transport of containers, adding to the six autonomous units already in operation. With this, the terminal will have a total of 12 driverless vehicles operating within the port.
Javier Rodriguez, general manager of Hutchison Ports ICAVE, noted that the project is part of a comprehensive transformation aimed at improving operational efficiency and moving toward a more sustainable port model.
According to figures from the Veracruz National Port System Administration, the Port of Veracruz handled approximately 1.3 million TEUs and more than 30 million tons of cargo in 2025, establishing itself as one of the country’s leading logistics and port hubs.
May 27, 2026 · via mexico-now.com
Torc partners with Mila to advance AI research for autonomous trucks Torc Robotics has partnered with Mila – Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute to expand research into artificial intelligence applications for autonomous trucking. Under the partnership, Torc will establish a presence within Mila’s Montreal research ecosystem, becoming the only autonomous trucking company affiliated with the institute. The collaboration gives Torc access to researchers, faculty and students specializing in machine learning and AI development, the company said in a release. The companies said the partnership will focus on advancing “physical AI” technologies tied to autonomous vehicle systems, including generative world models, reinforcement learning, multi-agent behavior modeling and foundation models for autonomy applications. “Torc is focused on building safe, scalable autonomous trucks, and advancing the next generation of physical AI is central to that mission,” said Felix Heide, head of artificial intelligence at Torc. “Partnering enables deeper collaboration at the intersection of research and real-world deployment, collaboration that supports continued progress toward commercializing autonomous trucking at scale.” Mila, founded by AI researcher Yoshua Bengio, is one of the world’s largest academic AI research centers specializing in deep learning. The institute has affiliations with Université de Montréal and McGill University and counts more than 1,500 researchers and students within its ecosystem. Christopher Pal, core academic member at Mila and professor at Polytechnique Montréal, said the partnership will create opportunities for researchers to work on practical autonomous vehicle challenges. “This partnership brings together academic excellence and real-world deployment, creating opportunities for our students and researchers to work on impactful challenges in physical AI while advancing the state of the art in autonomous systems,” Pal said. Torc said the agreement builds on its existing presence in Montreal and previous collaborations with Mila dating back to 2020. The company, an independent subsidiary of Daimler Truck, is focused
May 27, 2026 · via trucknews.com
Kazakhstan plans to launch a pilot project for driverless taxis in the second half of 2026, accelerating the country’s push toward autonomous transport technologies and the digitalization of urban mobility. Preparations for the project were announced by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development. According to the ministry, Yandex Qazaqstan and inDrive have already begun preparing the necessary infrastructure under government coordination. The project includes the construction of specialized garages, the import and configuration of autonomous vehicles, and the adaptation of software to Kazakhstan’s traffic regulations and local road conditions. “The project is being implemented through a ‘regulatory sandbox’ mechanism, which will allow technological solutions to be tested in controlled conditions and help form the necessary legislative framework,” the ministry said in a statement. Officials noted that Kazakhstan currently lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework governing autonomous transport, including standards related to safety, navigation, and traffic management. As a result, driverless vehicles will initially operate under continuous supervision by human operators, and the project will move forward only after testing is completed and infrastructure readiness is confirmed. Almaty is expected to become the primary city for the introduction of the service, although routes and traffic schemes for autonomous taxis are still being designed. Earlier, the administration of Astana also signed memorandums with Yandex Qazaqstan and inDrive regarding the launch of driverless taxi services in the capital in 2026. At the same time, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport is developing separate regulations for the use of autonomous cargo trucks on inter-city highways. Kazakh authorities say they are drawing on international experience in deploying autonomous transport technologies. The ministry noted that Tesla is currently testing robotaxi services in Texas, while Waymo already operates commercial autonomous ride services in several U.S. cities. In China, similar projects are being developed by Baidu and Pony.ai.
May 27, 2026 · via timesca.com
Gasgoo Munich-The race for autonomous driving in 2026 has finally hit a critical commercial turning point. It's no longer just about accumulating test miles or securing funding; real revenue growth has become the new yardstick for measuring a player's value. On May 26, Pony.ai released its scorecard for the first quarter of 2026. The standout figure: quarterly revenue from its Robotaxi business hit 59.12 million yuan, a staggering surge of 395.4% year-on-year. That single number alone eclipses more than half of the entire 2025 revenue for the unit. Consequently, Pony.ai raised its full-year Robotaxi revenue target from "triple 2025 levels" to "more than 3.5 times," while bumping its fleet size goal from 3,000 to over 3,500 vehicles. On the earnings call, Pony.ai executives explained that the raised expectations are driven by strong commercial momentum in the first quarter. The company observed that across all Tier-1 Chinese cities, revenue, paid orders, and user bases continue to expand. Notably, operations in Guangzhou and Shenzhen have turned profitable on a per-vehicle basis, offering a replicable success model. Furthermore, a "joint fleet" model has attracted a slew of domestic and international partners, promising to boost capital efficiency and accelerate deployment. This sends a clear signal: leading autonomous driving companies are crossing the threshold from "cash-burning experiments" into a new phase of "scale expansion." Shifting Revenue Mix: Fares Surge 456.5%, Robotaxi Breaks the 'Spring Festival Slump' A closer look at Pony.ai's Q1 revenue structure reveals a pivotal shift. While smart solutions still account for the lion's share of revenue, the core engine driving this high growth is no longer B-side technology licensing—it's tangible payments from C-side passengers. The report shows total revenue of 236 million yuan for the first quarter, up 145% year-on-year. Of this, the Robotaxi business—often dismissed as a "future story"—contributed 59.12 million
May 27, 2026 · via autonews.gasgoo.com