Welcome back to the latest episode of The Future of Automotive on CBT News, where we put recent automotive and mobility news into the context of the broader themes impacting the industry. I’m Steve Greenfield from Automotive Ventures, and I’m glad that you could join us. This week on The Future of Automotive, the debate over how cars are sold in America is once again heating up—and this time, there are real signs of momentum. During the COVID era, a number of automakers openly explored selling vehicles directly to consumers, bypassing the traditional franchise dealership model. That conversation largely quieted down in recent years—but now, it’s resurfacing in a meaningful way. This week, electric vehicle startup Rivian secured a significant victory in Washington State, winning the right to sell vehicles directly to consumers after a years-long fight with powerful dealer groups. The turning point came when Rivian threatened to take the issue directly to voters—backed by polling showing roughly 70% public support for direct sales. Faced with that pressure, the dealer lobby reversed course. Lawmakers ultimately approved a narrow compromise: a carve-out allowing direct sales for Rivian and Lucid, while preserving the broader franchise system for traditional automakers. Until now, Tesla had been the only company with that kind of exemption in Washington. That exclusivity is now over. The decision underscores something bigger—growing consumer interest in bypassing dealerships altogether, and the appeal of a direct-to-consumer model that offers automakers greater control over pricing, branding, and the customer experience. For Rivian, the timing is critical. The company is preparing to scale production of its more affordable R2 SUV—a vehicle that will depend on broader, mainstream adoption. Under prior rules, Rivian could showcase vehicles and offer test drives, but couldn’t discuss pricing or complete a sale in-store. Customers often had to go
Apr 3, 2026 · via cbtnews.com
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Apr 3, 2026 · via foxsanantonio.com
New report explores how innovation, regulation, and IP strategy are shaping the future of autonomous mobility. NEW YORK, April 2, 2026 /CNW/ -- Global consulting firm J.S. Held today announced the release of its 2026 Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Industry Report. Developed by Ocean Tomo, a part of J.S. Held, the report offers a comprehensive analysis of the evolving AV landscape through the lens of innovation, investment, and intellectual property (IP). "Despite extended deployment timelines, the economic opportunity in autonomous vehicles remains transformative," said Dan Principe, Director and Chair of the Industry Analyst Review Committee at Ocean Tomo. "What we're seeing now is a shift from pure R&D to commercialization, where IP strategy is no longer optional--it's existential." The report reveals that while early forecasts predicted widespread Level 3+ AV deployment by the mid-2020s, the market is now expected to center around L2+ vehicles by 2035. Yet, the global AV market is still projected to grow from $24 billion in 2021 to $62 billion in 2026, with passenger vehicles alone forecasted to generate $300–400 billion in revenue by 2035. Tatiana Feka, Industry Analyst at Ocean Tomo, emphasized the strategic importance of IP in this maturing sector: "The industry is moving past its initial life cycle stage. Between 2022–2024, we saw the first decrease in total innovation filings, signifying market maturation and a shift from pure R&D to commercialization strategies. This makes IP positioning even more critical." The report also highlights the growing complexity of the legal landscape, with cross-industry IP conflicts expected to rise as AV systems increasingly integrate telecom, cloud, AI, and mobility technologies. Companies are adopting more proactive legal strategies, including pre-emptive patent filings and trade secret protections, to safeguard their innovations. "As both established players and new entrants deepen their AV technology investments, trade secret enforcement has become
Apr 3, 2026 · via newswire.ca
The plot points on the map for autonomous truck lanes continue to grow as driverless vehicle programs for various uses, from FedEx to Walmart, roll along. FedEx Corp. and autonomous vehicle technology maker Aurora Innovation said they’re moving ahead with the addition of an autonomous truck lane in Texas earlier than expected as part of a pilot program that began in September. Aurora has been using its autonomous trucks to haul FedEx packages the 600 miles between Dallas and Houston, including the 2021 holiday season. Some 60,000 total miles in trips have been clocked for the freight company since the pilot’s start. “Some time ago, I was asked why the general public should care about autonomous trucking. This is why,” Aurora co-founder and chief product officer Sterling Anderson said in a statement. “In six months of working with FedEx, we’ve safely, reliably and efficiently transported packages for tens of thousands of FedEx customers.” The aim with the company’s Aurora Driver technology, which is being used by FedEx, is to utilize self-driving trucks along long routes that are more taxing on human drivers. Aurora CEO Chris Urmson, in speaking with analysts earlier this month during the company’s first-quarter earnings call, pointed out the roughly 18-hour, 1,200-mile stretch between Fort Worth and El Paso as an example of where autonomy over a human driver makes sense. “The combination of distance and monotony reinforced why lanes such as Forth Worth to El Paso can be so challenging for human drivers. And it is these routes where the driver shortage is felt most acutely,” Urmson said during the conference call. Aurora has additional pilot programs running with trucking company Werner Enterprises, which was announced in April, and Uber Freight. The company also worked with Toyota on a fleet of autonomous Sienna vans for passenger
Apr 3, 2026 · via wwd.com
- United States - / - Transportation - / - NYSE:UBER Uber Rivian Deal Signals New Phase In Autonomous Supply Control - Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER) agreed an exclusive deal with Rivian to deploy the newest R2 autonomous vehicles on the Uber platform. - The agreement includes a US$300 million investment by Uber and a multi year rollout plan across major U.S. cities. - The partnership focuses on using electric autonomous vehicles to support Uber's ride hailing operations and expand its autonomous supply. For investors following NYSE:UBER, this move sits at the intersection of ride hailing, electric vehicles and autonomous driving. Uber already works with autonomous tech providers such as WeRide and Pony.ai, but this Rivian deal centers on access to a specific hardware platform rather than just software. That difference could matter for how much control Uber has over future fleet composition and deployment. Looking ahead, the key questions are where and how quickly these R2 vehicles are introduced, and how they integrate with Uber's existing driver and fleet partner system. The agreement could influence Uber's cost structure, its reliance on human drivers, and its relationships with automakers as it builds out an autonomous network in major U.S. cities. Stay updated on the most important news stories for Uber Technologies by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Uber Technologies. 5 things going right for Uber Technologies that this headline doesn't cover. For you as an investor, the Rivian deal is less about one vehicle model and more about how Uber wants to shape long term autonomous supply. Up to now, partnerships with WeRide, Pony.ai, NVIDIA and others have largely given Uber access to software or to third party operated robotaxis. By committing US$300 million and securing exclusive access to Rivian’s
Apr 3, 2026 · via simplywall.st
Uber Expands $4,000 Grants For Drivers Who Switch To EVs Eligible Uber drivers across the U.S. can now get a $4,000 grant to switch to an EV, plus other perks. - Uber has expanded its EV grant program to the entirety of the United States. - Eligible drivers can get a $4,000 incentive if they switch to an electric car. - More discounts are available for new Kia EVs and electric cars bought through TrueCar. Uber drivers across the United States can get a $4,000 grant from the ride-hailing giant if they switch to an electric car. The program was initially available to drivers in New York City, California, Massachusetts, and Colorado, and has now been expanded to Uber drivers anywhere in the U.S. The ride-hailing platform says it wants to make it easier for its drivers to switch to an EV at a time when the $7,500 federal tax credit is no longer available, and gas prices are soaring. As before, the “Go Electric” grant is geared toward Platinum and Diamond drivers who switch to an EV and complete 100 eligible rides by December 31, 2026. Drivers can apply for the grant on Uber’s website, with applications processed from April 16, the company said. Besides the $4,000 grant, the ride-hailing enterprise has partnered with Kia for discounts on new electric car purchases. Uber drivers have exclusive access to a $1,000 discount for a new Niro EV or EV6, and $1,500 for a new EV9 SUV. Additionally, the company’s drivers across the country can get a $1,000 discount for any new or used EV bought through the online car marketplace TrueCar. “Uber’s transition to electric is being driven by thousands of drivers making the switch, as the economics of owning an EV continue to improve,” said Andrew Cornelia, Global Head
Apr 2, 2026 · via insideevs.com
DoorDash (DASH) is up 3.5% today. Here is some analysis on what might have caused this price movement. Analysis: The move appears tied to renewed investor optimism around DoorDash’s automation roadmap after a newly announced strategic partnership and investment involving ALSO, a micromobility EV company. The deal signals DoorDash is looking beyond small pilots and toward scaled deployment paths for autonomous last-mile delivery. Details: Sources: PR Newswire, TechCrunch, Associated Press Disclaimer: This price movement analysis was generated with the help of AI. Please double-check the information provided for mistakes. $DASH Insider Trading Activity $DASH insiders have traded $DASH stock on the open market 194 times in the past 6 months. Of those trades, 11 have been purchases and 183 have been sales. Here’s a breakdown of recent trading of $DASH stock by insiders over the last 6 months: - ALFRED LIN has made 11 purchases buying 514,047 shares for an estimated $100,277,150 and 0 sales. - TONY XU (CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER) has made 0 purchases and 6 sales selling 338,411 shares for an estimated $68,040,594. - STANLEY TANG has made 0 purchases and 45 sales selling 161,515 shares for an estimated $34,394,097. - PRABIR ADARKAR (PRESIDENT AND COO) has made 0 purchases and 31 sales selling 135,901 shares for an estimated $26,265,829. - ANDY FANG has made 0 purchases and 34 sales selling 72,160 shares for an estimated $16,025,622. - RAVI INUKONDA (CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER) has made 0 purchases and 18 sales selling 67,190 shares for an estimated $12,604,318. - TIA SHERRINGHAM (GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY) has made 0 purchases and 8 sales selling 27,123 shares for an estimated $4,954,092. - KEITH YANDELL (CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER) has made 0 purchases and 20 sales selling 17,891 shares for an estimated $3,298,971. - GORDON S LEE (CHIEF ACCOUNTING OFFICER) has made 0
Apr 2, 2026 · via quiverquant.com
This website uses certain cookies, pixels and similar tracking technologies in order enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Certain information collected by that technology may be shared with our third party partners. By continuing to use this website, you agree to the use of these technologies. AP Overland AI Completes Successful Deployment with 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division at JRTC FORT POLK, La., April 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Overland AI successfully completed an operational deployment with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division (3-82) at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC), Fort Polk, Louisiana. Over the course of a month-long Combat Training Center rotation, four ULTRA autonomous ground vehicles were fully integrated into the Brigade’s scheme of maneuver. They executed contested logistics, reconnaissance, and counter-UAS missions alongside Soldiers in one of the U.S. Army’s most rigorous operational training environments. “The bar for what autonomous ground vehicles can do inside a military formation is being set right now, and 3-82 helped us set it,” said Byron Boots, co-founder and chief executive officer of Overland AI. “We watched Soldiers take ownership of our autonomous ground vehicles by expanding to broad ranges of mission sets on their own. That tells us we are building the right capability for the warfighter.” The deployment marks a significant milestone in validating autonomous ground vehicle technology at the Brigade level under realistic large-scale combat operations (LSCO) conditions, with direct observation by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George during the rotation. 3-82 Soldiers loading ULTRA AGV for resupply mission at JRTC. Operational Results Four ULTRA autonomous ground vehicles demonstrated clear operational value across multiple mission types during the rotation, operating across 10+ kilometer maneuver distances in day and night conditions: Contested Logistics: Resupply operations powered by ULTRA reduced distribution
Apr 2, 2026 · via gazettextra.com
The National Transportation Safety Board has concluded its investigation into two fatal 2024 crashes involving Ford Mustang Mach-E models operating in semi-autonomous driving modes, and the organization recommended significant oversight into future use of SAE Level 2 autonomous driving systems during a public board meeting on Tuesday. Both accidents involved in the investigation involved Mach-Es traveling at highway speeds while using Ford's semi-autonomous BlueCruise system before striking stationary objects, resulting in fatal injuries for other drivers involved in San Antonio, Texas and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The safety investigation arm cited ineffective driver monitoring systems, driver inattention, speeding, and contradictory advanced driver assistance system use as factors in the deadly crashes. However, NTSB officials also took the opportunity to express broader concerns about semi-autonomous driving systems. "This investigation highlights the urgent need for stronger safety standards and better oversight of automated driving systems,” NTSB chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said at the March 31 public hearing. “Manufacturers and federal regulators must ensure these technologies are designed, monitored and implemented in ways that keep all our road users safe. We cannot take a ‘hands off’ approach to hands-free driving technology. Lives depend on it." Currently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation do not heavily regulate SAE Level 2 semi-autonomous driving systems. Similarly, there is no federal requirement for vehicles using L2 semi-autonomous setups to record data during crashes. This means most automakers can't comply with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s standing general order to provide certain data following crashes involving L2-operating vehicles, which leaves federal safety regulators and investigators to pick up the pieces themselves after a crash. "And [NHTSA's] primary focus has been on higher levels of automation. So, robotaxis and higher levels. While the issue with partial automation or Level Two systems has not received anywhere near
Apr 2, 2026 · via roadandtrack.com
FREMONT, Calif., April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Delta, a global leader in power management and smart green solutions, today announced that over one million industrial vehicles across North America and worldwide have been charged by its MOOV Series wired and wireless charging solutions, marking a major milestone in the electrification of automated logistics and material-handling operations. The installed base includes automated guided vehicles (AGVs), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), forklifts, and heavy-duty industrial vehicles operating in high-throughput warehouses and manufacturing environments. Dave Morse, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Industrial Automation Strategic Business Platform (IASBP), said, "Reaching the milestone of one million industrial vehicles charged reflects the trust global logistics operators and vehicle manufacturers place in Delta's charging solutions to support mission-critical logistics operations. Our MOOV portfolio provides the reliable and scalable charging infrastructure designed to keep automated fleets running efficiently in demanding 24/7 environments." Delta's MOOV charging portfolio supports a power range from 1 to 30 kW and includes both conductive and inductive charging solutions, enabling flexible charging strategies for a wide variety of industrial vehicles — from AGVs and AMRs to high-power applications such as electric forklifts. These technologies allow operators to implement centralized fast-charging stations or distributed opportunities charging embedded directly into operational workflows, helping maximize vehicle availability while optimizing energy usage across large, automated fleets. The MOOVair Wireless Charging Systems enable contactless charging without mechanical connectors, allowing vehicles to charge during short operational pauses or directly within automated processes. This reduces wear, lowers maintenance requirements, and improves system availability, particularly in demanding industrial environments where dust, vibration, and high utilization rates can challenge traditional plug-in charging systems. Complementing the wireless solutions, the MOOVbase Modular Charging Systems provide scalable fast-charging infrastructure for large and expanding fleets. Designed for continuous industrial use, the MOOVbase Series have completed more
Apr 2, 2026 · via prnewswire.com
The day the robotaxis froze • 3 min read TL;DR: A few days ago, over 100 Baidu robotaxis halted on highways in Wuhan, China—the second mass robotaxi failure in a little under four months. These incidents show how centralized cloud systems make robotaxis especially vulnerable to shutdowns—and reveal the lack of a clear contingency plan when an army of driverless cars goes dark at once. What happened: On Tuesday, over 100 Baidu Apollo Go robotaxis suddenly came to a stop in the middle of Wuhan’s busy, winding expressways. Though there were some collisions, no injuries have been reported, and Chinese authorities attributed the incident to a “system malfunction.” These driverless cars didn’t pull over to an emergency lane—they just halted where they were, some in the fast lane with traffic streaming past on both sides. Robotaxi systems are generally designed to pull over to a safe location when something goes wrong. In this case, they didn’t—and it’s not yet clear why. Some passengers reported that in-car SOS buttons didn’t work, and one college student told Wired it took 30 minutes to even connect to a customer service rep—and help never came. What makes robotaxis vulnerable: Robotaxi companies run their fleet on a centralized cloud with shared systems for routing, navigation, and remote assistance. When there’s a major hiccup in that infrastructure, it can take down a huge number of connected vehicles in the fleet at the same time. When the system fails, there’s not always a human driver who can grab the wheel, especially as many commercial robotaxi fleets no longer place human safety drivers (as they did during testing) in the vehicle. Robo-car crash pileup: This wasn’t the first time robotaxis have come to a standstill. Last December, when a massive blackout in San Francisco knocked out city traffic
Apr 2, 2026 · via techbrew.com
Mass Robotaxi Failure Grinds a Chinese City’s Traffic to a Standstill When your ride suddenly stops working, you call customer service. When 100+ robotaxis freeze simultaneously in downtown traffic, you call the police. That’s exactly what happened Tuesday in Wuhan, China, where Baidu’s Apollo Go fleet experienced a mass system failure that turned busy streets into a self-driving car graveyard. Digital Gridlock Hits Reality Police blame suspected system malfunction as viral videos capture the chaos. The simultaneous shutdown stranded passengers and blocked roads across the city center. Wuhan police, investigating through official Weibo channels, attributed the halt to a suspected system malfunction. No injuries were reported, though social media erupted with videos showing motionless robotaxis creating impromptu traffic jams. One clip suggests a possible highway collision occurred during the outage—exactly the scenario that keeps transportation officials awake at night. The viral footage spread faster than you could say “autonomous vehicle,” turning what should have been routine Tuesday commutes into a tech industry cautionary tale. Baidu’s Expansion Ambitions Meet Reality Check The company operates robotaxis in dozens of Chinese cities but remains silent on the malfunction. Baidu hasn’t commented publicly on Tuesday’s incident, despite operating Apollo Go services across dozens of Chinese cities. The timing stings particularly hard given the company’s aggressive international push. Just months ago, Uber and Lyft announced partnerships with Baidu for UK trials starting in 2026, pending regulatory approval. You can almost hear British transport officials reaching for the pause button. When your technology promises seamless mobility but delivers traffic-stopping glitches instead, international expansion becomes significantly more complicated. When Autonomous Vehicles Go Rogue This incident joins a growing list of high-profile robotaxi failures worldwide. Tuesday’s meltdown isn’t an isolated glitch in the matrix. December 2025 saw a San Francisco power outage disable Waymo’s entire fleet citywide, creating
Apr 2, 2026 · via autos.yahoo.com
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority has begun seeking proposals for a pilot program that could include retrofitting JTA buses and passenger vehicles with autonomous technology, an early indication of interest in expanding self-driving public transit beyond Downtown. In the request for proposals, filed as P-26-014, JTA says it “is soliciting innovative technology solutions through a structured Test & Learn Research & Development (R&D) program. “This includes but (is) not limited to the following Areas: Advanced Autonomous Vehicle Operations, Smart Connected Infrastructure, and related Safety Technologies that will be appropriate for the Pilot deployment of the AVs and technology surrounding it in support of the Ultimate Urban Circulator (U²C) Project in the Jacksonville urban core,” the RFP reads. “The JTA sees autonomous technology as an important part of the future of mobility solutions,” Taniel Koushakjian, a JTA spokesperson, wrote in a statement. “While we are committed to ensuring a safe and successful deployment of AVs in downtown Jacksonville through the U2C program, we are also exploring opportunities to deploy this technology in other areas such as our ReadiRide Zones.” In mid-2025, JTA launched its Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation system of autonomous shuttles along a 3.5-mile route Downtown, mostly on Bay Street. The NAVI service is part of JTA’s Ultimate Urban Circulator system, or U2C, which, if fully developed, would cost upward of $400 million. NAVI is funded through a mix of state, federal and local funding. The request for proposals comes as JTA develops successive phases of the U2C after starting with the $65 million NAVI component. In a document provided in response to a public records request by the Daily Record, JTA says that respondents to the RFP are “expected to provide an Autonomous Solution(s)” that would include “Autonomous Vehicle Shuttles, Autonomous kit for Automobile Retrofits, Bus Retrofits, and other Autonomous
Apr 2, 2026 · via jaxdailyrecord.com
Robert Ter Waarbeek, principal automotive industry manager EMEA at MathWorks, explains how engineers can advance automotive development with AI-enabled model-based design Automotive development is evolving as software-defined vehicle programs introduce faster feature cycles and more complex system interactions while meeting strict requirements for safety, reliability and long-term maintainability. Gen AI is now part of engineering workflows. It can help increase development speed, but its non-deterministic behavior, lack of physics awareness and limited traceability make it difficult to apply directly to safety-critical systems. These characteristics make verification, certification and traceability challenging when outputs generated by Gen AI are introduced without constraints. Model-based design addresses these issues through deterministic execution, executable specifications and physics-based simulation. MathWorks is bringing these strengths together by integrating Gen AI assistance directly into model-based design tooling, enabling engineers to benefit from accelerated workflows while preserving the rigor required for long-term reliability and certification of automotive software. Simulation as the foundation of trust Simulation is the foundation of trust in engineering workflows assisted by Gen AI. It provides a controlled environment where system behavior can be verified early and repeatedly. Model‑based design enables closed‑loop simulation within continuous development pipelines, enabling Gen AI‑assisted artifacts to be validated continuously in virtual environments long before software reaches hardware. Closed-loop simulation uncovers defects that emerge only from real‑time interaction between software, hardware and physical dynamics, such as instability, timing issues, saturation and integration errors. Unlike regular software tests that validate code logic in isolation, simulation validates system behavior against requirements under realistic operating conditions, catching safety‑ and performance‑critical issues much earlier. In leading organizations, ‘shift left’ is not a one-time activity; virtual verification is embedded directly into continuous integration/continuous development (CI/CD) pipelines. Every change triggers automated builds and simulation runs, exercising models against representative scenarios and acceptance criteria. Verification becomes continuous, not
Apr 2, 2026 · via automotivetestingtechnologyinternational.com
WeRide and Grab launch Singapore’s first autonomous public ride service WeRide a specialist in autonomous driving technology, and Grab Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, have officially commenced public operations for the Ai.R (Autonomously Intelligent Ride) service in Punggol. Starting today, the public can experience Singapore's first autonomous passenger service ever deployed within a residential estate. The transition to public service follows what is described as a 'rigorous community engagement phase'. Since January 2026, more than 1,000 passengers – including Punggol residents and community leaders – trialled the service and provided feedback that has improved the ride experience. To date, the Ai.R fleet has safely clocked 30,000km of autonomous mileage. "WeRide is proud to deliver Singapore's first autonomous public ride service in the Punggol district. This achievement reflects our technological readiness and shared commitment with Grab to advance the future of urban mobility. Our GXR vehicles already operate as taxis in China, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, providing safe and reliable point-to-point on-demand transport to our riders. We look forward to bringing the same proven performance to Singapore, in close coordination with local authorities, as operations scale and mature," said Dr. Kerry Xu, General Manager of Singapore at WeRide. "Grab is delighted to be bringing the first autonomous vehicle service in a residential area to the public. This service is about more than just deploying state-of-the-art AVs, it is about building a future where technology and the community move forward together. By integrating autonomous rides into the daily lives of Punggol residents and upskilling Grab’s driver-partners into new roles, we are ensuring that the benefits of innovation are shared by all. We are excited to take this significant step toward a more seamless, inclusive and sustainable transport ecosystem for Singapore,” said Alejandro Osorio, Managing Director of Grab Singapore. Empowering driver-partners for new
Apr 2, 2026 · via autos.yahoo.com
Robotaxis operated by Baidu’s Apollo Go stalled throughout Wuhan, China, in some cases trapping passengers for up to two hours, according to multiple media reports as well as numerous video and social media posts.
Baidu has not shared what caused the widespread outage. However, local police said it was a “system failure” that affected at least 100 robotaxis, Reuters reported. The unknown technical error caused robotaxis to suddenly freeze — and sometimes in dangerous spots such as the fast lane of roadways, according to Wired. Police are still investigating the matter.
Baidu did not respond to TechCrunch’s emailed request for comment.
Baidu is one of the largest robotaxi operators in China and has expanded to the Middle East. Last year, the company said it planned to deploy a fleet of more than 1,000 autonomous vehicles in Dubai over the next few years.
The recent Baidu outage is the latest incident to raise questions about the safety of robotaxis and their impact on local communities. And it’s not just isolated to China. A widespread power outage in California last December wiped out traffic lights, causing Waymo vehicles to become stuck.
Apr 2, 2026 · via techcrunch.com
Welcome to The On-Ramp, the newsletter published by Venable's Autonomous and Connected Mobility Team. The On-Ramp explores legal and policy developments in the world of autonomous and connected vehicles, smart infrastructure, electrification, and other emerging automotive and mobility technologies, from Capitol Hill to the U.S. Department of Transportation and beyond. In recent months, the U.S. Department of Transportation and Congress have continued to advance policies to shape the future of emerging transportation technologies, particularly in the autonomous vehicle (AV) space. The department is moving forward with efforts to update safety standards, advance rulemakings, and engage stakeholders on automated driving systems, while also supporting innovation across areas such as advanced air mobility and infrastructure. At the same time, lawmakers are actively examining a range of transportation technology issues, including AVs, vehicle safety, and national security, signaling ongoing interest in developing bipartisan frameworks to govern these technologies. U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) NHTSA Publishes Third Biannual Report to Congress on ADAS Research and Rulemaking On March 18, 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published its third biannual report to Congress summarizing the agency's research and rulemaking activities on automated driving systems (ADS). The report describes several updates at the agency following its second biannual report published in July 2025. Specifically, the report highlights the confirmation of Jonathan Morrison as NHTSA administrator, the expansion of NHTSA's Automated Vehicle Exemption Program for domestic manufacturers, and the Safety Research Portfolio Public Meeting and ADS Workshop held in November 2025. The report also provides updates on research in categories related to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) compliance; system safety performance assessment; component and subsystem testing and functional safety; and crashworthiness and alternative cabin design. On the rulemaking side, the report discusses three rulemaking actions listed in the spring 2025 Unified Agenda of Regulatory
Apr 1, 2026 · via jdsupra.com
Tesla has expanded the geofence for its unsupervised “Robotaxi” service in Austin, Texas, growing the area where vehicles can operate without a safety monitor inside the car. But social media sightings indicate that only a handful of vehicles — somewhere between 4 and 8 Model Ys — are actually running without a human safety monitor. And even those still operate under remote supervision from Tesla. Expanding the map, not the fleet The service area expansion is part of a pattern Tesla has followed since launching its robotaxi pilot in Austin in June 2025. The overall robotaxi geofence in Austin has grown to roughly 245 square miles — about 12 times its original 20-square-mile footprint — through a series of expansions over the past several months. But there’s a massive disconnect between the size of the map and the number of vehicles actually operating without supervision. According to tracking data and social media sightings, the unsupervised fleet consists of fewer than a dozen vehicles, with only a few operating at the same time. The total Austin fleet sits at roughly 37-42 vehicles, with the vast majority still carrying safety monitors. But now the “unsupervised” Tesla robotaxies can operate in a slightly larger area of the overall service area in Austin: It’s also worth emphasizing what “unsupervised” means in Tesla’s context. There’s no human safety monitor inside the car, but Tesla still remotely supervises these vehicles. Earlier in the program, that supervision involved physical chase cars trailing the robotaxis; now it appears to involve remote monitoring. Either way, these are not vehicles operating fully independently. Years behind schedule The expansion is real progress, but it needs to be placed in the context of what Tesla actually promised. CEO Elon Musk has a long, well-documented history of missing his own autonomous driving deadlines.
Apr 1, 2026 · via electrek.co
Nexscient(R) Acquires Flipside AI, Completing a $6.2M Deal to Expand Physical AI Data Capabilities Rhea-AI Summary Nexscient (OTCQB:NXNT) closed its acquisition of Philippines-based Flipside AI for approximately $6.20 million on April 1, 2026, acquiring 100% of Flipside's shares via $600,000 cash, a $450,000 convertible promissory note, and 6,846,000 restricted Nexscient shares. The deal adds Physical AI data engineering, 2D/3D vision, LiDAR, sensor-fusion and multimodal curation capabilities and appoints Flipside founder Anthony S. De Luna as Nexscient CTO and director to lead technical integration. Positive - Acquisition closed for $6.20M consideration - Adds Physical AI data engineering and multimodal pipelines - Appointed Anthony S. De Luna as CTO and director - Acquires 100% of Flipside AI shares Negative - Issued 6,846,000 restricted shares, creating shareholder dilution - Assumed a $450,000 convertible promissory note as liability - Used $600,000 cash at closing, reducing liquidity Appoints Anthony De Luna to Board of Directors, Names Him Chief Technology Officer LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / April 1, 2026 / Nexscient, Inc. (OTCQB:NXNT), a leading innovator in artificial intelligence applications and intelligent enterprise solutions, today announced the successful closing of its previously announced acquisition of Flipside Digital Content Company, Inc. ("Flipside AI"), a Philippines-based leader in AI data engineering, and the appointment of Anthony S. De Luna, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Flipside AI, as Chief Technology Officer of Nexscient. Mr. De Luna was also appointed to Nexscient's Board of Directors. With the transaction now complete, Nexscient has acquired "The closing of this acquisition marks a defining milestone for Nexscient," said Fred E. Tannous, President & Chief Executive Officer of Nexscient, Inc. "Flipside's specialized expertise in deep annotation and meta labeling for Physical AI, combined with their proven operational infrastructure and talented global workforce, gives us an immediate competitive advantage in one of
Apr 1, 2026 · via stocktitan.net
Waymo Goes On Houston Road—It Wasn’t Prepared For Houston Drivers: 'We About To Have Waymo Road Rage Incidents' 'Houston is probably the worst place to have Waymos.' A woman is going viral on TikTok after sharing what appears to be the aftermath of a crash involving a Waymo vehicle and an 18-wheeler. Lucia Molina (@lmolina2384), who suggests that she’s based in Houston, filmed the scene as she drove past and added her own take in the text overlay. "I don’t think Waymos are built for Houston drivers," she wrote. In the clip, the Waymo appears to have been merging into the left lane on a Houston highway before being rear-ended by the truck. It’s not clear what led up to the crash, but the impact caused a backup that stretched for miles. Molina said the slowdown was significant. "Took me 30 mins to get like 2 miles," she wrote in the caption. As of this writing, the video has more than 240,400 views. In a statement to Motor1, a Waymo spokesperson said, "An autonomous vehicle with a specialist behind the wheel was traveling in Houston when it merged into the left lane of a road and a semi truck made contact with the back bumper and became lodged under the Waymo vehicle. Both vehicles came to a stop and 911 was called. The truck was eventually able to dislodge and both vehicles departed. There are no reported injuries." Since When Are Waymos In Houston—And On Highways? According to Waymo, its presence in Houston is relatively new, and it’s still in the early stages. The company began rolling out its driverless ride service in the city in February, starting in central neighborhoods like downtown, Montrose, River Oaks, and the Heights, according to Click 2 Houston. Access is limited for now, with
Apr 1, 2026 · via motor1.com