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International to install Samsara telematics at factory through new OEM partnership

International to install Samsara telematics at factory through new OEM partnership International will begin installing Samsara telematics devices on new trucks and IC Bus school buses before delivery, eliminating the need for post-purchase installation and reducing downtime for fleets. The partnership comes through Samsara’s Pre-Delivery Installation program, which now includes International as the newest OEM partner. Under the program, Samsara devices like vehicle gateways, dash cams and AI-enabled camera system Multicam will be installed and activated at International’s Truck Specialty Centers and Custom Bus Center facilities. International can also now order Samsara hardware directly for its customers, streamlining procurement and installation for fleet managers. Samsara added in the news release that software subscriptions will be activated at the time of shipment, ensuring fleets only begin paying for the technology once vehicles are ready to operate. “Connectivity isn’t just a feature—it’s the foundation for maximizing uptime and unleashing fleet productivity. By seamlessly integrating Samsara devices into International trucks and IC school buses before they ever leave the factory, we’re raising the bar for reliability, durability, and safety,” said Huber Mastelari, vice president of service contracts and connectivity at International. “Our customers aren’t simply receiving a vehicle; they’re gaining a fully connected, intelligent, and data-driven asset ready to deliver exceptional performance from the moment the keys are handed over.” Jeff Faulkner, senior vice president of operations at Samsara, added, “Since launching our PDI program less than a year ago, we’ve already seen a significant volume of pre-installed products, proving there is an appetite for ‘out-of-the-box’ connectivity. Partnering with International scales this impact significantly. We are committed to making integrated, pre-delivery telematics the industry standard.” Have your say This is a moderated forum. Comments will no longer be published unless they are accompanied by a first and last name and a verifiable email

New Polling Data Shows Overwhelming Support for Safeguards for <b>Autonomous</b> Vehicles ...

As Congress debates the reauthorization of the surface transportation bill, which expires on September 30, 2026, a new public opinion poll commissioned by Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates) shows Americans want stronger AV requirements, proven crash prevention technology and better truck safety rules. Even with a decline in roadway deaths in 2024, motor vehicle crashes continue to exact a devastating toll on individuals, families and communities. According to finalized data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 39,254 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in the United States last year and an estimated 2.42 million were injured. WASHINGTON, April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- As Congress debates the reauthorization of the surface transportation bill, which expires on September 30, 2026, a new public opinion poll commissioned by Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates) shows Americans want stronger AV requirements, proven crash prevention technology and better truck safety rules. Even with a decline in roadway deaths in 2024, motor vehicle crashes continue to exact a devastating toll on individuals, families and communities. According to finalized data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 39,254 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in the United States last year and an estimated 2.42 million were injured. "Americans are calling for commonsense safety protections that address the risks they face on our roads every day," said Cathy Chase, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates). "That means minimum federal safety standards for AVs, stronger requirements for automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems to protect pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists, state laws to stop dangerous repeat speeding and reckless driving offenders and better safeguards for sharing the road with large trucks. Leaders at all levels of government should treat these poll results as a clear mandate to act." Autonomous Vehicles

Majority of Gen Z reports high levels of burnout

A study shows that Gen Z is reporting high levels of burnout both inside and outside of the workplace. Majority of Gen Z reports high levels of burnout PUBLISHED 10:49 AM CDT Apr. 09, 2026 Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More A study shows that Gen Z is reporting high levels of burnout both inside and outside of the workplace.

Avride <b>autonomous</b> vehicle struck a mother duck in Austin, residents demand safety fixes

Avride autonomous vehicle struck a mother duck in Austin, residents demand safety fixes A well known local duck died after an Avride robotaxi ran over it near Mueller Lake, sparking heated neighborhood debate and scrutiny of self driving safety. As highlighted by Techcrunch In Austin, in the Mueller Lake area, there was an incident with an autonomous vehicle: a mother duck was killed beneath it, prompting residents to talk about the safety of self-driving cars and their presence in the city. Although similar incidents are not common on roads, this story drew attention to cutting-edge technologies. Local media picked it up after one Mueller District resident in a Facebook community reported that an Avride autonomous vehicle with a guard on board ran over a duck and did not stop. «He didn’t slow down or stop for a moment – he just drove over her», reads the post relayed to KXAN. – KXAN This duck was well known to local residents: she had a nest in a pot beside a local Italian cafe, which amplified outrage and mistrust of autonomous driving technology. According to Axios, some residents are keeping ducklings in an incubator while the investigation continues. An Avride representative confirmed to TechCrunch that during the incident the vehicle was in autonomous mode. The company is not suspending testing on public roads entirely, but has adjusted the operating area, excluding certain streets around the lake in the Mueller district where the duck collision occurred, according to spokesperson Yulia Shveiko. The resident also stated that the car did not stop at a stop. Avride told TechCrunch that they found no such evidence – the vehicle made full and proper stops at all relevant stops. Yulia Shveiko noted that the team reviewed the vehicle’s operational data and its behavior, including replaying the scene

Waymo robotaxis are tracking potholes and sharing that data with Waze users | TechCrunch

Two Alphabet-owned businesses are teaming up to find potholes and share that information with cities. Waymo and Waze announced Thursday a data-sharing pilot program that will funnel pothole data collected by robotaxis to a free Waze platform designed for cities. Any city or state where Waymo operates will be able to access that data as the program expands. Waymo is already operating commercially in 11 cities and it’s testing in even more. For now, the pilot will focus on five initial markets — Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and the San Francisco Bay Area, where Waymo says it has already identified about 500 potholes. The partnership is expected to expand to more cities over time. Cities won’t be the only recipients of that data, however. Anyone with a Waze app in the cities where Waymo operates will also have access to that data, and by the way, help verify those pothole locations are accurate. Waze users already have the ability to report potholes to the app. The pilot program aims to augment and expand that reporting, and make it readily available to cities. Waymo robotaxis, which are loaded with cameras, lidar, radar, and other sensors, are ideal tools to collect data on potholes and other roadway dangers. There are other companies that use sensors in cars, or even phones, to track traffic patterns and other information, which can be sold or shared. Waymo appears to be the first company to use robotaxis to do the job. This Week Only: Save up to $500 for Disrupt 2026 Offer ends April 10, 11:59 p.m. PT Your next round. Your next hire. Your next breakout opportunity. Find it at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, where 10,000+ founders, investors, and tech leaders gather for three days of 250+ tactical sessions, powerful introductions, and market-defining innovation. Register

Mariana Minerals Taps Kalanick's Pronto for <b>Autonomous</b> Haul <b>Trucks</b> | Whalesbook

Autonomous Trucks Deployed at Utah Mine Mariana Minerals is launching autonomous haulage trucks at its Copper One mine in Utah next week. This deployment is part of a partnership with Pronto, a developer of self-driving systems for heavy machinery now under Travis Kalanick's Atoms venture. Pronto's autonomy technology will integrate directly with Mariana's 'MineOS' software platform. The goal is to enable autonomous dispatch and route coordination for operations without human intervention. Pronto has already hauled millions of tons for Heidelberg Materials, validating Mariana's automated strategy. The mining automation market, forecast at $8.4 billion by 2035, is increasingly reliant on software, a key focus for Mariana's integrated approach. Mariana's Vertical Model Targets Critical Minerals Founded by former Tesla executive Turner Caldwell, Mariana Minerals focuses on a software-first, vertically integrated model to improve critical mineral supply chains. The company believes traditional mining is technologically stagnant. By operating mines like Copper One, Mariana aims to quickly increase domestic production of essential metals. This strategy supports U.S. government efforts to secure critical minerals and reduce reliance on foreign sources, particularly China. The company has secured significant backing from investors including Andreessen Horowitz and Breakthrough Energy Ventures. Mariana plans to develop ten mineral projects within a decade, a pace far quicker than typical U.S. mine development. The Copper One facility is set to increase copper cathode output to 50,000 metric tons annually by 2030, incorporating scrap processing. Software Orchestration is Mariana's Edge Mariana's approach is distinct from other industry automation efforts. While large companies like Rio Tinto, BHP, and Caterpillar are incorporating autonomous vehicles, Mariana's core strategy centers on its MineOS software, a comprehensive system designed to orchestrate various automated operations across the mining lifecycle. This is a significant departure from traditional manual mining, which has historically been slow to adopt new technologies. The global

Mariana Minerals partners with Pronto and deploys <b>autonomous trucks</b> at Utah copper site

Mariana Minerals partners with Pronto and deploys autonomous trucks at Utah copper site A former Tesla engineer is building an automated mining stack to move cleaner metal to market faster. Early trials will combine Pronto autonomous controls with Mariana’s MineOS. As noted by Techcrunch There’s a lot of focus in the U.S. right now on domestic manufacturing, but Turner Caldwell, who spent nearly ten years at Tesla, argues that too little attention is paid to the minerals and metals lying at the bottom of the supply chain. So he left the company and founded Mariana Minerals in 2024 with a clear aim: to supply the market with purer metal while developing a modern mining and processing operation focused on growth. The core concept of the company is automation of almost every stage of the mining process to increase productivity and reduce costs. According to Caldwell, this is necessary to get metal into the ecosystem faster and in greater quantities. The latest step in this direction is a partnership with Pronto, a startup that has developed autonomous control systems for dump trucks and other equipment at mines and construction sites. This is Pronto’s first deal since acquiring Atoms – the new robotics division led by Uber co-founder Travis Kalanik. The partnership also signals a return to collaboration with Antoni Levendowski, a former engineer on Google’s famous autonomous driving project and a founder of Pronto. According to plan, autonomous trucks will soon begin operating at Copper One – the former copper production plant in Utah that Mariana acquired last year. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed. But the main thing is the integration of Pronto’s autonomous control system directly with MineOS, the software Mariana developed to manage mine operations. This will allow automatic task allocation and route coordination without human

Ex-Tesla engineer's startup taps Pronto to help automate a copper mine

There is a lot of attention on domestic manufacturing in the United States these days. But for Turner Caldwell, who spent nearly a decade at Tesla, there’s not enough attention on the minerals and metals that sit at the very bottom of the supply chain. It’s why he left Tesla and started Mariana Minerals in 2024. The purpose of his startup is to become a modern mining (and refining) operation that is set up for growth, because Caldwell has essentially one goal: bring more refined metal into the ecosystem. To do that, his company is trying to automate almost every aspect of a mining operation imaginable. The latest piece is vehicles. On Thursday, Mariana Minerals announced a partnership with Pronto, a startup that’s developed self-driving systems for haulage trucks and other off-road vehicles used at construction and mining sites. It’s the first deal that Pronto has struck since being acquired by Atoms, the new robotics venture run by Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick. The acquisition reunites Kalanick with Pronto founder Anthony Levandowski, the former star Google self-driving project engineer and controversial entrepreneur behind Otto, which Uber acquired in 2016. The partnership with Pronto will see autonomous haulage trucks begin operating next week at Copper One, a formerly idled copper mine in Utah that Mariana purchased last year. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. But the partnership is about more than just having autonomous trucks operating onsite, Caldwell told TechCrunch in an exclusive interview. Pronto’s autonomy system will be directly integrated into the software Mariana has developed to run operations at the mine, which it calls “MineOS.” That will make it possible to autonomously dispatch the trucks and coordinate their routes without a human in the loop, he said. This is part of Caldwell’s broader vision for how a mine should

Kalanick's Pronto Lands First Mining Deal Post-Acquisition | The Tech Buzz

Mariana Minerals is deploying Pronto's autonomous haulage trucks at its Utah copper mine, the first deal since Travis Kalanick's Atoms Inc acquired the AV startup ■ The partnership pairs controversial figures: Mariana founder Anthony Levandowski (ex-Tesla, ex-Waymo) and Uber co-founder Kalanick ■ Mining automation represents a new frontier for autonomous vehicles, with controlled environments offering faster path to deployment than public roads ■ The deal tests whether Kalanick's bet on industrial autonomy can succeed where consumer robotaxis have struggled Travis Kalanick's autonomous vehicle bet just landed its first major customer. Mariana Minerals, founded by former Tesla engineer Anthony Levandowski, is deploying Pronto's self-driving haulage trucks at its Utah copper mine - marking the first commercial deal since Kalanick's Atoms Inc acquired Pronto. The move signals a fresh push to bring AI-powered automation to one of the world's oldest industries, while reuniting two of Silicon Valley's most controversial figures in the process. Pronto is taking its autonomous technology underground - literally. The self-driving truck startup, now owned by Travis Kalanick's Atoms Inc, just signed its first mining customer since the acquisition. Mariana Minerals, a copper mining startup founded by former Tesla engineer Anthony Levandowski, will deploy Pronto's autonomous haulage system at its Utah operation. The timing couldn't be more strategic. As robotaxi companies burn through billions trying to navigate city streets, mining offers a controlled environment where autonomous tech can prove itself today. Mariana's open-pit copper mine presents fewer variables - no pedestrians, no traffic lights, predictable routes - making it an ideal testing ground for AI that's not quite ready for urban chaos. Levandowski brings serious pedigree, if controversial baggage. After stints at Tesla and Google's Waymo (where he later faced trade secret theft charges), he's betting that industrial automation represents the fastest path to autonomous revenue. "The mine operates

<b>Autonomous</b> Freight and Logistics Market to Reach USD 185.14

Autonomous Freight and Logistics Market to Reach USD 185.14 Billion by 2032 at 16.80% CAGR; North America Leads with 42% Share - Key Players: Waymo, Aurora Innovation, TuSimple, Einride, Kodiak Robotics The global autonomous freight and logistics market reached USD 53.45 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 185.14 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 16.80% during the forecast period 2025 to 2032. The market is experiencing rapid growth driven by advancements in automation technologies and the increasing demand for efficient and cost-effective logistics solutions.Market growth is fueled by the rising adoption of autonomous vehicles, drones, and robotics in freight transportation and warehouse operations. These technologies help reduce human intervention, lower operational costs, and improve delivery speed and accuracy. Additionally, the growing expansion of e-commerce and global trade is significantly increasing the need for automated logistics systems to handle large volumes of goods efficiently. Autonomous freight and logistics solutions play a critical role in transforming supply chain operations by enabling real-time tracking, route optimization, and predictive maintenance. Integration of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies is enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities. Furthermore, increasing investments in smart infrastructure, supportive regulatory developments, and continuous innovation in autonomous systems are positioning the autonomous freight and logistics market as a key driver of the future logistics ecosystem. Get a Free Sample PDF Of This Report (Get Higher Priority for Corporate Email ID): https://www.datamintelligence.com/download-sample/autonomous-freight-and-logistics-market?sai-v Key Developments ✅ February 2026: Across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, rapid growth in e-commerce and supply chain automation significantly accelerated adoption of autonomous freight solutions, including self-driving trucks and robotic warehouse logistics systems. ✅ January 2026: Globally, advancements in AI-driven route optimization, computer vision, and sensor fusion technologies improved safety, efficiency, and reliability of autonomous logistics operations across long-haul

Ex-Tesla engineer's startup taps Pronto to help automate a copper mine | TechCrunch

There is a lot of attention on domestic manufacturing in the United States these days. But for Turner Caldwell, who spent nearly a decade at Tesla, there’s not enough attention on the minerals and metals that sit at the very bottom of the supply chain. It’s why he left Tesla and started Mariana Minerals in 2024. The purpose of his startup is to become a modern mining (and refining) operation that is set up for growth, because Caldwell has essentially one goal: bring more refined metal into the ecosystem. To do that, his company is trying to automate almost every aspect of a mining operation imaginable. The latest piece is vehicles. On Thursday, Mariana Minerals announced a partnership with Pronto, a startup that’s developed self-driving systems for haulage trucks and other off-road vehicles used at construction and mining sites. It’s the first deal that Pronto has struck since being acquired by Atoms, the new robotics venture run by Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick. The acquisition reunites Kalanick with Pronto founder Anthony Levandowski, the former star Google self-driving project engineer and controversial entrepreneur behind Otto, which Uber acquired in 2016. The partnership with Pronto will see autonomous haulage trucks begin operating next week at Copper One, a formerly idled copper mine in Utah that Mariana purchased last year. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. But the partnership is about more than just having autonomous trucks operating onsite, Caldwell told TechCrunch in an exclusive interview. Pronto’s autonomy system will be directly integrated into the software Mariana has developed to run operations at the mine, which it calls “MineOS.” That will make it possible to autonomously dispatch the trucks and coordinate their routes without a human in the loop, he said. This is part of Caldwell’s broader vision for how a mine should

Don't Call It A Tesla Semi: China's Windrose Delivers First EV <b>Truck</b> In The U.S.

Don’t Call It A Tesla Semi: China’s Windrose Delivers First EV Truck In The U.S. The Global E700 electric truck can use two CCS chargers at once to top up its 705-kilowatt-hour LFP battery. - China’s Windrose has delivered its first Global E700 electric truck tractor to its American customer. - The 1,400-horsepower Tesla Semi lookalike was handed over to Texas logistics firm Allogic and charging partner Greenspace E-Mobility earlier this month. - Windrose advertises a 416-mile range with a fully loaded trailer and a full battery. Chinese electric truck startup Windrose has delivered its first battery-powered Class 8 truck in the United States, the company said in a statement sent earlier this week, according to Reuters. The first U.S.-bound Windrose Global E700 electric truck tractor was handed over to Texas logistics firm Allogic and charging partner Greenspace E-Mobility through Windrose’s American partner. According to Greenspace E-Mobility, the battery-powered heavy-duty truck will haul cargo on the I-35 binational corridor connecting Mexico and Texas. Windrose claims that its truck is fully certified across Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. It expects approval in Oceania in the second half of this year. The Global E700 is a direct competitor for the Tesla Semi, which appears to have served as the main source of design inspiration for Windrose. That said, both the Semi and the Global E700 also have to contend with rivals from Freightliner, Volvo, and Peterbilt. Specs-wise, Windrose’s first commercially available model in the U.S. can hold its own against the best of them. It’s powered by a massive 705-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack that runs at 800 volts. The battery feeds a 1,400-horsepower rear electric motor and enables a 416-mile estimated driving range with a full load. Charging can be done via an MCS connector, in which case it can

Society Won't Accept <b>Driverless</b> Cars Without A Serious Safety Net

It's tempting to feel a sense of security on the road when considering all the driver-assistance technologies that are fast becoming standard equipment, from lane-keeping and blind-spot warning to automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. While those features are among the building blocks for autonomous vehicles and have logged millions of real-world miles on American roads, the sad truth is sobering. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, 39,254 people died in US car crashes in 2024 and another 2.4 million were injured. The agency estimates more than 36,000 fatal car wrecks in 2025. A key argument for autonomous vehicles is that they will be safer, will obey traffic rules, will improve mobility for the elderly and disabled, won't drive drunk, and won't speed or take unnecessary risks. But according to the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, a non-profit Washington lobbying organization, much work needs to be done because there are no federal motor vehicle safety standards specific to autonomous vehicles. The organization released the results of an online survey done last month to take the public's pulse on autonomous passenger vehicles and heavy-duty trucks and the need to regulate them. And the results are interesting to say the least. Bikers Deserve Protection “Americans are calling for common sense safety protections that address the risks they face on our roads every day,” said Cathy Chase, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. “That means minimum federal safety standards for AVs, stronger requirements for automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems to protect pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists, state laws to stop dangerous repeat speeding and reckless driving offenders, and better safeguards for sharing the road with large trucks." Federal Government's NHTSA Overhaul Starts With Massive Job Cuts The government is cutting back the Department of Transportation's workforce, offering buyout

Ryder Joins International's <b>Autonomous Truck</b> Pilot on Texas Freight Lane

International Motors is taking another step toward commercializing autonomous trucking. The OEM is launching a real-world autonomous truck pilot program with Ryder System. The initiative will put a factory-integrated autonomous truck into daily freight service along a key Texas corridor. Ryder Joins International’s Autonomous Truck Pilot on Texas Freight Lane Ryder and International take autonomous trucking out of the lab and onto a live, 600-mile Texas freight lane. The program marks Ryder as the first fleet to participate in International’s autonomous fleet trial initiative. The companies said early results point to strong on-time performance and high levels of autonomous operation. Real-World Autonomy Moves Beyond Test Tracks The pilot centers on a 600-mile round-trip route along Interstate 35 between Ryder facilities in Laredo and Temple, Texas. Unlike earlier autonomy trials that relied heavily on controlled environments or dedicated infrastructure, this program embeds the truck directly into an existing supply chain operation. An International LT Series tractor equipped with the OEM’s second-generation autonomous system is running the route daily for a Ryder customer. The goal: validate how seamlessly autonomous technology can integrate into live logistics networks without requiring new hubs or specialized terminals. That approach reflects a broader industry push to make autonomy practical for fleets already operating nationwide networks. Factory-Integrated Approach Targets Scalability At the core of the pilot is International’s factory-installed autonomous platform. This system combines lidar, radar, and camera systems with the S13 Integrated Powertrain. The truck runs PlusAI’s latest SuperDrive autonomous software, designed to enable long-haul highway driving. International executives say the emphasis is on delivering an OEM-validated, end-to-end solution that fleets can deploy within their existing operations. Rather than retrofitting trucks or building parallel infrastructure, the model focuses on integrating “virtual driver” capability directly into production vehicles and potentially lowering barriers to adoption. Early Results Show Strong

America's Fastest Highway Could Become A Hotbed For <b>Driverless</b> Semis

Though it isn't nearly as widespread as the minds behind it likely want, autonomous driving is becoming increasingly prevalent all the same. Autonomous driving has been classified into different levels, with companies like Waymo implementing it for ridesharing. Driverless semi-trucks have begun to creep into the mainstream, too, delivering various goods without a person behind the wheel. As of early 2026, it looks like these trucks will make their way to the United States' fastest highway. The 41-mile-long Texas State Highway 130 sits at the center of this situation, notable for its low traffic and 85 mph speed limit. These elements have made it quite an attractive area for companies such as Einride, Aurora Innovation, and the aforementioned Waymo to plan or already begin testing out autonomous vehicles on this stretch of road. Einride, for its part, hopes to start testing its autonomous semis by the end of 2026 or the start of 2027, with the company first having to collect data on the routes its trucks will take. Read more: 5 Of The Worst Car Trends We've Ever Seen How the Texas SH 130 Concession Company has responded to these efforts Texas SH 130 is the responsibility of the SH 130 Concession Company, which is well aware of companies' intentions to use the highway as a proving ground — and seems eager to get started. Speaking to KXAN Austin, James Lovett, VP of Public Affairs for the SH 130 Concession Company, explained that this decision to test autonomous freight with companies like Einride is a major innovation that will benefit the Texas supply chain. Emphasizing the importance of SH 130, Lovett added that "As we advance toward our goal of establishing the southern section of SH 130 as a nationally recognized route for autonomous freight movement, we see this

Samsara Bets Big on Physical AI Orchestration

AI CERTS 15 hours ago Samsara Bets Big on Physical AI Orchestration Therefore, investors suddenly discuss crash reductions, dispatch automation, and usage-based licensing. Meanwhile, regulators and unions ask difficult questions about privacy and certification. This article examines Samsara’s positioning, the underlying orchestration stack, and the hurdles that still loom. Furthermore, readers will gain context on market momentum, data scale economics, and competitive dynamics. Practical takeaways appear throughout, including links to relevant professional certification paths. Global Market Momentum Builds Global fleets now pilot Physical AI proofs of concept across logistics, aviation, and utilities. Moreover, analyst notes from Goldman and Deloitte cite Samsara’s revenue climb toward $1.6 billion as evidence. In contrast, many smaller vendors still sell siloed dashcams without agentic links. The FY26 report showed 28% year-over-year growth and 3,194 customers above $100K ARR. Additionally, guidance projects almost $2 billion next year, signaling investor belief in mixed-autonomy futures. Consequently, Physical AI has become an emerging stock category tracked by thematic funds. These numbers highlight accelerating demand. However, momentum also raises expectations for proven safety outcomes and repeatable deployment playbooks. In summary, market traction appears strong yet still fragile. Accordingly, the next section explores agentic safety advances driving adoption. Agentic Safety Advances Quickly Samsara’s flagship AI Safety Coach launched in Q4 FY26 as the first closed-loop agent. It delivers two-way in-cab voice guidance, automated event triage, and real-time scorecards. Moreover, company benchmarking claims fleets saw a 73% crash reduction over 30 months. Physical AI models, trained on more than 25 trillion sensor datapoints, underpin these interventions. Nevertheless, independent validation remains scarce, and insurers still request third-party audits. In contrast, early adopters like Swissport cite faster training cycles for new drivers. - 73% crash rate drop over 30 months, according to Samsara Safety Report. - 48% harsh event decrease within six months for

<b>Autonomous</b> Industrial <b>Trucks</b>: Automation as a Growth Booster in Established Structures

Autonomous Industrial Trucks: Automation as a Growth Booster in Established Structures Where there is a will, there is a way, as the saying goes. The truth in this adage is demonstrated by the example of ABS Safety GmbH. With the firm intent to produce high-quality and reliable fall protection systems for the roofing trade, Ludwig and Ingrid Beckers founded the company in their home basement in 2003. In the following years, this "start-up" experienced an impressive rise. As of today, ABS Safety employs over 200 people and is considered a top name in the fields of fall protection, climbing technology, and more. The company showed the same zeal when a comprehensive expansion of logistics became necessary at the current headquarters in Kevelaer. "The new automated warehouse with 40 autonomous robots was to be developed in a former greenhouse facility; an unusual project - and thus typical for our company ABS Safety," states Managing Director Kai Brendel. The company is growing – and the logistics must follow suit From the beginning: Since 2006, ABS Safety has been developing and manufacturing not far from the German-Dutch border. "In 2015, we more than doubled our storage and production capacities with a new building," reports Managing Director Brendel. However, the enormous growth of the company required more space shortly thereafter. "Fortunately, we were able to acquire an existing property that is strategically well-located between production and shipping." The catch: it was a former nursery with relatively flat greenhouses on a very expansive area. Not exactly ideal conditions for logistical realignment. "At that time, we calculated back and forth whether demolition and new construction would be more economical," the managing director recalls. Eventually, they finally turned to the topic of automation. ```Brendel: "For us as an innovation-driven company, this was very appealing since the technology

Verne launches Europe's first commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb

Verne today announced the launch of Europe’s first commercial robotaxi service, starting in Zagreb, Croatia. Beginning today, members of the public can now book and pay for a Pony.ai-powered autonomous ride through the Verne app. The service will soon also be available through the Uber app, following a recently announced strategic partnership between the three companies. The commercial service is the result of several years of development and close collaboration with regulators, positioning Verne among the leaders of autonomous mobility in Europe. “For the first time in Europe, there is a real commercial robotaxi service. People can use it and take real autonomous rides,” said Marko Pejković, co-founder and CEO of Verne. “We said we would launch in Zagreb in 2026. Today, we did. This is just the start.” Start of service in Zagreb The initial commercial deployment will use electric vehicles equipped with Pony.ai’s seventh-generation autonomous driving system. These vehicles will operate autonomously, with trained autonomous vehicle operators onboard during the early phase of the rollout. The initial service zone covers key districts of the Croatian capital, with plans to expand coverage across the city. The companies aim to transition to fully driverless operations as soon as possible, subject to regulatory approvals and the service meeting the required safety and reliability standards. From Zagreb and beyond Verne has begun permitting discussions with 11 cities across the EU, UK, and the Middle East, with more than 30 additional cities currently under consideration. Verne will also eventually deploy the company’s purpose-built autonomous vehicle, a two-seat robotaxi designed specifically for driverless ride-hailing. From EasyMile to Einride, and now Verne: Europe’s autonomy stack evolves Verne marks a shift from earlier paths to vehicle autonomy in Europe. Until now, one of the region’s most prominent players has been the French company EasyMile, which was

America's Fastest Highway Could Become A Hotbed For <b>Driverless</b> Semis

America's Fastest Highway Could Become A Hotbed For Driverless Semis Though it isn't nearly as widespread as the minds behind it likely want, autonomous driving is becoming increasingly prevalent all the same. Autonomous driving has been classified into different levels, with companies like Waymo implementing it for ridesharing. Driverless semi-trucks have begun to creep into the mainstream, too, delivering various goods without a person behind the wheel. As of early 2026, it looks like these trucks will make their way to the United States' fastest highway. The 41-mile-long Texas State Highway 130 sits at the center of this situation, notable for its low traffic and 85 mph speed limit. These elements have made it quite an attractive area for companies such as Einride, Aurora Innovation, and the aforementioned Waymo to plan or already begin testing out autonomous vehicles on this stretch of road. Einride, for its part, hopes to start testing its autonomous semis by the end of 2026 or the start of 2027, with the company first having to collect data on the routes its trucks will take. How the Texas SH 130 Concession Company has responded to these efforts Texas SH 130 is the responsibility of the SH 130 Concession Company, which is well aware of companies' intentions to use the highway as a proving ground — and seems eager to get started. Speaking to KXAN Austin, James Lovett, VP of Public Affairs for the SH 130 Concession Company, explained that this decision to test autonomous freight with companies like Einride is a major innovation that will benefit the Texas supply chain. Emphasizing the importance of SH 130, Lovett added that "As we advance toward our goal of establishing the southern section of SH 130 as a nationally recognized route for autonomous freight movement, we see this partnership