Uber has quietly assembled one of the most ambitious autonomous vehicle coalitions in tech history. Over the past two years, the company has partnered with, and in some cases directly invested in, roughly 30 autonomous vehicle companies, positioning itself not as a car maker or even a self-driving software developer, but as the platform layer that sits on top of all of them. The $10 billion bet Uber’s total commitment to autonomous vehicle initiatives now exceeds $10 billion. That figure includes more than $2.5 billion in equity stakes across companies like WeRide, Lucid, Nuro, Rivian, and Wayve. The centerpiece of the strategy is a plan to deploy at least 20,000 autonomous robotaxis based on the Lucid Gravity platform, powered by Nuro’s autonomy stack, starting in 2026. Uber reportedly invested around $300 million in Lucid to make that happen. On the infrastructure side, the company has earmarked $100 million specifically for building out fast-charging networks across ten targeted autonomous-vehicle cities by the end of 2026. In February 2026, Uber formalized all of this under a dedicated business unit called “Uber Autonomous Solutions.” The unit provides infrastructure, data, mapping, and operational support to its growing roster of AV partners. The partner list reads like a who’s who of autonomous driving. Waymo, Zoox, and Motional are all active collaborators. Rivian is targeting 50,000 R2 vehicles for 2028 deployment. And a collaboration with NVIDIA aims to scale Uber’s AV operations toward a fleet of 100,000 vehicles by 2027. Uber is now facilitating robotaxi and delivery AV operations across more than 10 US markets, with plans to expand further as regulatory frameworks catch up. Why crypto investors should pay attention Uber’s AV push currently has no crypto integration. No tokens, no blockchain-based data sharing, no decentralized ride coordination. The company explored blockchain concepts for AV
Aug 1, 2026 · via kucoin.com
Some robotaxis approved to run without steering wheels. Brake pedals could be next. By Josh Funk and Ty O'Neil / The Associated Press Federal regulators are clearing the way for robotaxis to operate without manual controls such as steering wheels or eventually even brake pedals as the rules start to catch up to the evolving technology. Amazon's fully autonomous Zoox vehicles got approval Thursday to begin charging customers for rides in the specially designed cars that feature four inward-facing seats once they secure state and local approval. Zoox has already been offering free rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco since last year. At least a couple people were waiting at most stops Thursday afternoon for rides up and down the Las Vegas Strip aboard one of the distinctive boxy-shaped vehicles. "It's kind of scary at first, but when I just got used to it, it's really cool and chilling. I really liked the music and how you can adjust the temperature," Chloe Huu from Ann Arbor, Michigan, said after taking a ride in a Zoox Thursday. But the projected wait time for the ride kept changing, which made it hard to plan. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also proposed a rule last month to allow robotaxis to operate without brake pedals, but that proposal is still pending. Administrator Jonathan Morrison said his agency wants to update the regulations to fit these fully autonomous vehicles while still acting as the "cop on the beat to make sure that this is being done right." Most vehicle safety regulations were written decades ago, always with the assumption that there would be a human driver behind the wheel. But Morrison said that things like steering wheels, windshield wipers and side-view mirrors aren't really needed in an autonomous vehicle. "If you're going to
Aug 1, 2026 · via thenevadaindependent.com
XPeng has confirmed its next-generation autonomous driving system, XNGP, is expected to arrive in Australia from 2027, bringing what is widely regarded as one of the most advanced self-driving platforms currently available to consumers. Speaking about the technology’s Australian timeline, XPeng Australia national service development manager Brenton Dalton confirmed VLA 2.0 (or Vision Language Action) is already being tested globally, but stressed there is no fixed date yet for local availability. “Yes, VLA 2.0 is rolling out. It’s being used, being tested. It’s something that we definitely want. Timing-wise, that will come down to model cadence,” he said. The Xpeng G6 already available here is not compatible with the system right now, but the new L03 that’s all but confirmed for Australia is. As Dalton explained, it won’t just be a case of introducing the tech and away you go. The brand will be “working with the Australian infrastructure and government and then ultimately [refining] what customers want”. At the heart of the rollout is VLA 2.0 which processes driving decisions in real time using the brand’s proprietary ‘Turing’ AI chips and X-Mind AI reasoning models. It’s the same technology stack that underpins XNGP (XPeng Navigation Guided Pilot) and, together, they place XPeng in rare company. Alongside Tesla’s FSD (Full Self-Driving), XNGP is considered one of just two serious players in AI-driven, point-to-point car-based automation. Xpeng Australia’s senior marketing and communications manager Terry Zhang explained the system does not require cities or regions to be pre-scanned before the technology can operate there. “It doesn’t need that,” he said, adding that “it has the ability to learn itself.” Zhang confirmed Australia is seen as a crucial market to the wider company, but that XNGP hasn’t been rolled out beyond its domestic market. “Outside of China, not yet. But we are seeing
Aug 1, 2026 · via carsales.com.au
The autonomous mobility company enters one of the United States’ most established markets for commercial driverless transportation PHOENIX, Arizona — Autonomous mobility technology company Carziqo has announced the launch of its ER-MX driverless ride-hailing operations in Phoenix, marking another step in the company’s expansion across the United States. The deployment introduces Carziqo’s ER-MX autonomous vehicle series to the Phoenix metropolitan area, where the vehicles will support the company’s technology-driven ride-hailing and intelligent fleet operations. Phoenix has emerged as an important testing and deployment center for autonomous transportation. The city already hosts large-scale driverless mobility services, while Arizona requires companies operating autonomous vehicles on public roads to comply with federal requirements, state traffic laws, and policies established by the Arizona Department of Transportation. Carziqo said its Phoenix operation will prioritize vehicle safety, fleet reliability, real-time operational monitoring, and a consistent passenger experience. The company is expected to adopt a measured expansion strategy, using operational data and local travel patterns to guide future fleet deployment. Entering a mature autonomous mobility market The decision to deploy the ER-MX series in Phoenix places Carziqo in a market where residents, businesses, transportation authorities, and other road users already have experience interacting with autonomous vehicles. Phoenix has also incorporated Vision Zero objectives into its Road Safety Action Plan, reflecting the city’s broader focus on safer streets, transportation planning, and the responsible integration of new mobility technologies. For autonomous mobility companies, the city presents both an opportunity and a demanding operational environment. Driverless vehicles must navigate urban intersections, residential areas, commercial districts, changing traffic conditions, cyclists, pedestrians, emergency vehicles, and periods of extreme heat. These conditions will provide Carziqo with an opportunity to evaluate the operational performance of the ER-MX platform in a major American metropolitan area. “Phoenix represents an important milestone in Carziqo’s development as an
Aug 1, 2026 · via voiceofasean.com
Uber isn't waiting for self-driving cars to arrive - it's building the entire ecosystem itself. The ride-hailing giant has quietly assembled a network of partnerships and direct investments spanning roughly 30 autonomous vehicle companies over just the past two years, according to TechCrunch's exclusive tracker. The aggressive expansion signals Uber's bet that the future of mobility won't be dominated by a single AV player, but rather a platform that integrates them all. Uber just revealed the scope of its autonomous vehicle ambitions, and it's far bigger than anyone outside the company realized. The ride-hailing platform has inked deals with around 30 self-driving car companies over the past two years, transforming itself from a company that once tried and failed to build its own AV technology into the Switzerland of the robotaxi wars. The partnerships range from integration agreements that put autonomous vehicles on Uber's platform to direct equity investments in emerging AV startups. Wayve, the London-based autonomous driving company, sits among the roster of partners according to TechCrunch's comprehensive tracker published today. The sheer breadth of relationships suggests Uber's learned a costly lesson from its previous strategy. Rewind to 2020, and Uber was desperately trying to offload its Advanced Technologies Group after burning through billions on in-house AV development. The company sold the division to Aurora in a deal that valued the unit at $4 billion - a fraction of what Uber had invested. That painful exit forced a strategic rethink that's now paying dividends. Instead of picking winners, Uber's betting on everyone. The platform approach means that whether Waymo cracks full autonomy first, or a Chinese startup like WeRide scales faster in Asian markets, or legacy automakers like GM's Cruise eventually recover from their stumbles, Uber wins. It's the same playbook that made the company dominant in human-driven rides
Aug 1, 2026 · via techbuzz.ai
Uber has significantly increased its involvement in autonomous vehicle (AV) technology by partnering with and investing in over 30 AV companies worldwide since 2023. After selling its own AV division in 2020, Uber shifted focus back to AVs through strategic collaborations with firms like Aurora, Baidu, Lucid, and WeRide, among others. These partnerships span robotaxi services, autonomous deliveries, and fleet management across multiple continents, aiming to integrate AVs into Uber's ride-hailing and delivery platforms. This global, multi-partner approach positions Uber to leverage diverse AV technologies while minimizing direct development risks, with commercial deployments planned in cities across the US, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East through 2031.
Aug 1, 2026 · via pluang.com
Uber backs limits on autonomous vehicle rollout in Washington, D.C. Tensions over robotaxi expansion are intensifying in Washington, D.C., as a local bill opens a new front in the competition over the future of ride-hailing. The debate brings Uber into rare alignment with labor unions that warn large-scale autonomous vehicle deployment could deepen job losses for drivers in a weakening regional labor market. Highlights - Washington, D.C. Council is considering a bill to broadly legalize autonomous vehicles for passenger and goods transport, raising labor concerns over job and wage impacts. - As many as 35,000 gig drivers—9% of D.C.'s labor force—face job risks amid the proposal and a regional loss of 100,000 jobs due to federal cuts. - Uber supports a hybrid model and is backing limits on fully autonomous fleets, citing its New Jersey lobbying for an 85% human-driver requirement over three years. Washington bill sharpens autonomous vehicle divide As first reported by CNBC, the Washington, D.C. Council is considering the Autonomous Vehicle Deployment Authorization Amendment Act, a proposal that would allow broad use of autonomous vehicles to carry passengers and goods across the District. Organized labor is scrutinizing the measure over concerns that self-driving technology could depress wages and reduce employment opportunities for drivers. Those concerns carry particular weight in Washington, where as many as 35,000 gig work drivers account for about 9% of the labor force, based on 2024 data. The issue is becoming more politically charged as the wider D.C. metro area has lost more than 100,000 jobs over a one-year period, largely because of federal job cuts. Crystal Middleton, a part-time rideshare driver and member of 32BJ SEIU, says the council is weighing entry by Waymo at a time when the city is already facing an unemployment crisis. Uber pursues hybrid model as labor weighs
Aug 1, 2026 · via tradersunion.com
OAKLAND COUNTY, Michigan ― Tesla is expanding its Robotaxi rideshare service to include Florida, Texas, and California as it competes with Alphabet’s Waymo, Amazon’s Zoox, and other autonomous rideshare services. But consumers are already buying retail Teslas to self-drive them in cities across the US. kAm$6?:@C 4:E:K6?D >@DE ?@E23=J]k^Am kAms6E6C>:?65 E@ >2:?E2:? E96:C :?5:G:5F2= EC2?DA@CE2E:@? :?56A6?56?46[ E96J 2C6 FD:?8 %6D=2’D 92?5D\7C66 uF== $6=7 sC:G:?8 DJDE6> 2D 2 5C:G6C 2DD:DE] %9@F89 3J ?@ >62?D 6I4=FD:G6 E@ D6?:@CD :? :ED 23:=:EJ E@ 255 2?@E96C D6E @7 6J6D E@ E96 C@25[ u$s 96=AD 6=56C=J 5C:G6CD >2:?E2:? 2 4@4@@? 2C@F?5 E96:C 42C 2D E96:C 4@?7:56?46 :? C67=6I6D 2?5 6J6D:89E ?2EFC2==J 56E6C:@C2E6]k^Am kAm“xEVD 2D 8@@5 2 5C:G6C 2D x 2>[” D2:5 s:4< p>2496C[ fg[ 2 C6E:C65 v6?6C2= |@E@CD 6?8:?66C 7C@> #@496DE6C w:==D[ |:49:82?[ H9@ 5C:G6D 9:D |@56= * 2?5 |@56= b @? u$s hgT @7 E96 E:>6] “w6C6VD E96 E9:?8[ :E H:== ?@E 8@ E9C@F89 2 C65 =:89E] xE H:== ?@E 8@ E9C@F89 2 DE@A D:8?] tG6CJ @?46 :? 2 H9:=6[ xVG6 5C:G6? E9C@F89 ?6:893@C9@@5D H96C6 DE@A D:8?D H6C6 A2CE:2==J @3D4FC65 3J =@H 92?8:?8 3C2?496D[ 7@C 6I2>A=6] ] ] 2?5 WE96 %6D=2X D66D E96> 367@C6 x 5@]”k^Am kAmp=A9236E 7@F?56C $6C86: qC:? =2F?4965 v@@8=6’D 2FE@?@>@FD 42C AC@8C2> W?@H 42==65 (2J>@X :? a_`c H:E9 E96 :562 @7 8:G:?8 D6?:@CD :?56A6?56?46] }@H[ 2D (2J>@ 2?5 %6D=2 5F<6 :E @FE :? 2 9:89\42A:E2=\4@DE[ 9:89\DE2<6D C246 E@ 5@>:?2E6 E96 C:56\D92C6 DA246[ E92E D4:\7: G:D:@? ― D92C65 3J %6D=2 rt~ t=@? |FD< ― :D 72DE 364@>:?8 C62=:EJ H:E9 %6D=2’D G6CD:@? `c]b u$s D@7EH2C6] u$s 92D >256 6?@C>@FD DEC:56D :? E96 =2DE EH@ J62CD E92?<D E@ >:==:@?D @7 >:=6D @7 C62=\H@C=5 4FDE@>6C FD6 2?5 pCE:7:4:2= x?E6==:86?46 25G2?46>6?E]k^Am kAm“%6D=2 D6=7\5C:G:?8 6?23=6D D276C >@3:=:EJ 7@C D6?:@C 4:E:K6?D[” A@DE65 |FD< @? ) yF=J `` :? C6DA@?D6 E@ 2 %6D=2 A@DE 5@4F>6?E:?8 9@H u$s 92D 492?865
Aug 1, 2026 · via timesdaily.com
- The NHTSA has given Zoox an exemption to commercially operate their robotaxis. - Zoox can deploy up to 2,500 vehicles annually, but they’ll be subject to extra oversight. - Government is also looking into an exemption for Robomart and their delivery vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a “series of actions” to accelerate autonomous vehicle innovation and they’re designed to balance safety with speedier deployments. The big news is that Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has directed the agency to give Amazon-owned Zoox a “temporary exemption.” This will allow the robotaxi company to commercially deploy up to 2,500 vehicles annually for two years. In effect, the firm will be able to accept paying customers, a first for a purpose-built autonomous vehicle with no conventional controls like a steering wheel or foot pedals. More: Zoox Unveils Its Production-Intent Robotaxi, Arrives Later This Year The government said the company will be “subject to an enhanced, adaptable oversight structure that can evolve as Zoox’s technology advances.” This suggests they’ll keep tabs on things and ensure the robotaxis are operating safely. While the release didn’t elaborate, Reuters is reporting Zoox will be subject to “additional reporting requirements” and the government will be able to pull the exemption if they determine there’s a serious safety issue. All remote operators must also be US-based and the company will need to release a map showing where their autonomous vehicles are operating. Besides giving Zoox the green light to begin commercial operations, the NHTSA aims to “accelerate development of [the] first-ever AV performance standards through a partnership with SAE Industry Technologies Consortia.” The goal is to create a national standard for autonomous vehicles, instead of a patchwork of state and federal regulations. The government will also tweak exemptions and establish a portal for public feedback
Aug 1, 2026 · via carscoops.com
NXP reportedly in talks to acquire vehicle chip supplier Ambarella NXP Semiconductors NV is reportedly in talks to buy Ambarella Inc., a fellow provider of vehicle chips. The Financial Times today cited sources as saying that other industry players could also make bids. The report didn’t divulge any other details, notably what sale price Ambarella is seeking. The company had a market capitalization of about $3.25 billion before the acquisition rumors boosted its shares by 16%. Any bids the company receives will likely value it higher. Netherlands-based NXP is among the world’s largest suppliers of car chips. Its processors can be found in infotainment devices, autonomous driving systems and a variety of other auto parts. NXP is also active in several additional segments including the data center market. Its chips are used for tasks such as distributing electricity to servers and managing the flow of coolant. Santa Clara, California-based Ambarella competes in many of the same segments as NXP, most notably the auto sector. The company makes chips that enable carmakers to install artificial intelligence software in their vehicles. Ambarella debuted its newest auto chip in January. The CV7 combines a four-core central processing unit with an image signal processor and a video encoder. The image signal processor enhances footage from the host vehicle’s sensors by removing errors, boosting brightness and performing other edits. The CV7’s video encoder, in turn, compresses footage into a memory-efficient format that can be more easily sent over the network. The chip also features an artificial intelligence accelerator. According to Ambarella, the module is based on a custom architecture that can provide five times better power-efficiency than competing designs. The technology enables the CV7 to run transformer-based language models. Carmakers can use the chip to power their vehicles’ ADAS, or advanced driver assistance systems. Such
Aug 1, 2026 · via siliconangle.com
Friday’s Headlines It's mostly a stack of self-driving cars and bad news about traffic safety today (with a hint about the ongoing Global Warming catastrophe.) 10:58 AM PDT on July 31, 2026 Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org. More from Streetsblog California The Week in Short Video Woke bike lanes, transit etiquette, Fresno transportation tax, and is Gen Z driving less? July 31, 2026 OPINION: U.S. Should Scale Autonomous Vehicles Thoughtfully, Not Slam the Brakes Streetsblog is skeptical that AVs will move the needle on car dependence. But our recent coverage has spurred many AV boosters to demand equal time. So today, we present one such piece. July 30, 2026 Selection Committee Fails to Approve Santa Clarita Councilmember Jason Gibbs for Metro Board Cities throughout L.A. County rejected Gibbs appointment to the Metro Board. The decision sends the appointment back to the North County and San Fernando Valley subregion. July 30, 2026 Commentary: The Muni Bike Ban is Even More Absurd than You Think How can we have any faith in Muni's ability to solve its many challenging problems, when in 17 years it can't solve the simplest one? July 30, 2026 Transit Advocates Open Second Front in Fight to Reverse Newsom’s CARB Climate Funding Cuts Lawsuit, moving. Capitol rally, Monday. Details, below. July 30, 2026
Jul 31, 2026 · via cal.streetsblog.org
- Rivian’s autonomous driving push is kicking into high gear. - Point-to-point driving arrives soon and eyes-off comes in 2027. - Automaker also announced new delivery vans for Amazon. Rivian has released its second-quarter financial results, and things are looking up for the automaker. Jumping right into the numbers, revenues were up 27% to $1.658 billion. The company also achieved a gross profit of $179 million, which was $385 million more than a year ago. More: For $50 A Month, Rivian Will Make You A Passenger In Your Own EV Despite a glimmer of good news, Rivian still expects to lose $1.8-2 billion this year. CNBC notes that’s down slightly from a previous estimate of up to $2.1 billion. Putting the financials aside, the automaker announced Amazon now has over 40,000 electric delivery vans, and they recently surpassed one billion miles (1.6 billion km) traveled. The company also confirmed they’re developing new variants to support the online retailer. According to Rivian, they’re working on models with all-wheel drive as well as a larger battery pack. The latter is “expected to offer a 30% increase in range,” which would equate to around 210 miles (338 km/h). The all-wheel drive variant, on the other hand, appears aimed at markets with snow as well as rural areas with muddy dirt roads. As a refresher, the current Delivery 500 and 700 are front-wheel drive and offer a range of up to 161 miles (259 km). Pricing starts at $79,900, and the larger of the two can hold up to 652 cubic feet (18,463 liters) of goods. Besides talking about Amazon, Rivian said they expect to begin rolling out “point-to-point advanced assisted driving capabilities by the end of this year.” This is an evolution of their current Universal Hands-Free driving system, which works on more
Jul 31, 2026 · via carscoops.com
Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysia on July 31 officially launched a Remote Operations Centre (ROC) to support autonomous logistics operations using RoboVan delivery vehicles in Cyberjaya. The ROC serves as a central command hub, enabling real-time monitoring of autonomous vehicles through live video feeds and system diagnostics. Although the RoboVans are capable of operating fully autonomously within their designated operational domain, the ROC provides an additional layer of safety by allowing operators to maintain situational awareness and coordinate timely assistance whenever necessary. Alan Chong, Chief Executive Officer of Autonomous Logistics Solutions (ALS), said the company has successfully delivered more than 70,000 parcels since its establishment in August last year. The operational data collected from these deliveries will help strengthen public confidence while supporting the development of road regulations governing autonomous vehicles in Malaysia. The ROC launch forms part of Selangor state's strategic roadmap to become a regional hub for artificial intelligence and mobility innovation by 2030. Yong Kai Ping, Chief Executive Officer of the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec), said the monitoring infrastructure represents a concrete step towards building a fully integrated autonomous mobility ecosystem rather than relying on isolated pilot projects. The initiative is also closely linked to the development of the Malaysia Chip Design Park, which focuses on designing edge chips for robots and autonomous vehicles. The high-tech ecosystem currently employs more than 400 engineers and aims to expand its workforce to 1,000 highly skilled professionals by 2030, while increasing local manufacturing content to at least 30%. During the launch ceremony, ALS demonstrated the RoboVan and the ROC's operating system, showcasing the vehicle's ability to detect obstacles and perform safe autonomous parking. The Cyberjaya testing route has now been expanded to 22 kilometres with 21 stops, covering a range of complex urban environments to validate
Jul 31, 2026 · via en.vietnamplus.vn
Atlas Energy Solutions Expands AI-Enabled Digital Transformation of Oilfield Logistics with Kodiak-Powered Driverless Trucks Partnership to expand autonomous truck fleet to 100 vehicles by mid-2027 for deliveries across the Atlas now operates driverless trucks at additional load-out point, expanding service and increasing daily load counts and customer responsiveness This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260731504868/en/ Working with In addition, Atlas and Kodiak have agreed to a delivery timetable that will expand Atlas’s Kodiak-enabled fleet from 28 driverless trucks operating as of “This partnership with Kodiak is a critical part of the Atlas strategy to transform oilfield sand logistics through innovation,” said Atlas helps oil and gas producers overcome complex operational and technical challenges by providing high-quality proppant critical to well completions. By integrating mining and transportation automation with advanced last-mile logistics management, Atlas accelerates and simplifies access to critical oil and natural gas resources while reducing operational complexity, risk and cost. Atlas is now concurrently operating driverless trucks at load-out sites located in Atlas’s autonomous program has scaled steadily since its initial driverless deployments in 2024. As of “Together, Atlas and Kodiak have deployed the world's largest fleet of driverless big-rig trucks,” said Earlier this year, Kodiak and Atlas collaborated to introduce advanced capabilities making it possible for one autonomous truck to haul three connected trailers simultaneously. This milestone marks the first ever autonomous triple-trailer trucking operation, with a combined loaded weight of more than 135 tons. Kodiak and Atlas expect to operate Atlas trucks on public roads by 2027, dramatically expanding the reach of Atlas’s autonomous fleet. About About Kodiak AI, Inc. Kodiak AI, Inc. was founded in 2018 and is a leading provider of AI-powered autonomous vehicle technology designed to help tackle some of the toughest driving jobs. Kodiak’s driverless solution addresses the critical
Jul 31, 2026 · via markets.ft.com
Rivian raises 2026 delivery guidance after R2 crossover launch; Q2 net loss narrows to $837 million
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Jul 31, 2026 · via autonews.com
CYBERJAYA, July 31 — Malaysia’s first Remote Operations Centre (ROC) for autonomous logistics vehicles has been launched in Cyberjaya, paving the way for Level 4 autonomous vehicle trials on public roads. The facility at CoPlace 9 Cyberjaya was developed by Autonomous Logistic Solutions Sdn Bhd (ALS) in collaboration with the Selangor Information Technology & Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) and Cyberview Sdn Bhd, and will support trials along the 22km Cyberjaya Malaysia Autonomous Vehicle (MyAV) Route. The route, approved by the Ministry of Transport (MoT) under Malaysia’s autonomous vehicle national regulatory sandbox, serves as a controlled public-road testbed for autonomous vehicle testing, data collection and the development of future regulatory frameworks. ALS managing director Alan Chong said the ROC would provide oversight for the company’s Level 4 autonomous logistics vehicle, the RoboVan, during upcoming trials. The facility functions as a central command centre, allowing operators to monitor the autonomous vehicle in real time through live video feeds, vehicle telemetry, route status and system diagnostics. “Driverless doesn’t mean monitor-less. Every autonomous vehicle still requires human oversight to ensure the highest standards of safety, accountability, and operational reliability. “Through our collaboration with SIDEC and Cyberview, we are establishing Malaysia’s first Remote Operations Center (ROC) as the foundation of a trusted autonomous logistics ecosystem, one that enables the safe, reliable, and scalable deployment of autonomous vehicles across Malaysia and the wider region,” Chong said. The RoboVan trials are expected to begin in the coming months along the MyAV route, which covers areas including Persiaran Apec, Persiaran Cyberpoint and Persiaran Rimba, with the vehicle operating in real-world mixed traffic conditions. First introduced in 2020 with support from the Transport Ministry, Sepang City Council (MPSepang) and Futurise, the MyAV route was initially a 7km testbed before being expanded by an additional 15km in 2025. The 22km
Jul 31, 2026 · via malaymail.com
The Trump Administration Just Named a Front-Runner in the Robotaxi Race Zoox got the first commercial exemption for a driverless car. It came with a promise that safety regulations would evolve “as Zoox's technology advances.” Riding in a car without brake pedals* or a steering wheel might soon be a regular occurrence for residents of Las Vegas and San Francisco. On Thursday, the Transportation Department's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced it is granting a two-year temporary exemption to autonomous robotaxi company Zoox for commercial deployment of up to 2,500 vehicles annually. Last August, Zoox became the first American autonomous vehicle (A.V.) company to receive a demonstration exemption for its fleet. The company has been operating free rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco, with plans to expand to Austin, Texas, and Miami in the near future. The move aligns with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's "transportation innovation agenda," which aims to "unleash innovation" and "enable commercial deployment" of A.V.s through deregulation and modernization of federal motor vehicle standards. The agency is simplifying its application process for Part 555 exemptions—a regulatory carveout that allows car companies to test new technology by deploying products in small batches—so more A.V. companies can demonstrate their ability to deploy commercially. In the same press release, the NHTSA also announced it would enter into a three-year partnership with the technology trade association SAE Industry Technologies Consortia to "gather data and accelerate creation" of a national safety standard for A.V.s and replace the "patchwork" of state regulations. In a statement sent to Reason, the NHTSA says it will provide funding for the $5 million consortium of experts responsible for making recommendations. Current motor vehicle standards often fail to consider that required features in typical cars—like rearview mirrors, foot pedals, manual gear shifts, steering wheels, or front-facing
Jul 31, 2026 · via reason.com
BMW Group BMW Group drives digital cockpit, automated driving future with Qualcomm Mobile platform firm named lead compute silicon provider for BMW Group, covering digital cockpit and ADAS/AD systems with model programmes for next decade In the latest part of its stated commitment to using connected technologies to boost safety, vehicle drive, infotainment and passenger/driver experiences, BMW Group has inked an agreement with Qualcomm Technologies, for the provision of compute silicon for BMW Group’s next-generation digital cockpit and advanced driver assistance and automated driving systems (ADAS/AD) over the course of the next decade. With its four brands – BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad – the BMW Group claims to be the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles, as well as premium financial services. The firm’s production network comprises over 30 sites worldwide, and it has a global sales network in more than 140 countries. The deal is designed to establish a hardware basis for BMW Group to deliver next-generation artificial intelligence (AI-)powered experiences. It comes as the global automotive industry accelerates towards electrification and software-defined vehicles, with automotive services also reliant on connected technologies. Qualcomm Technologies added that the agreement also reflects years of technical collaboration and ability to deliver compute performance and AI capabilities that BMW Group’s most demanding vehicle programmes require. From an individual technology basis, the deal includes the Qualcomm Technologies Snapdragon Digital Chassis solutions, encompassing its system-on-chips (SoCs), the Snapdragon Elite automotive platform and dedicated AI accelerators. Built after more than two decades of investment in automotive-grade silicon and software, the Digital Chassis solutions are each purpose-built for their domain yet designed to work together on a common architecture, enabling the vehicle to function as a unified intelligent system. Nakul Duggal, executive vice-president and group general manager of automotive, industrial and embedded IoT
Jul 31, 2026 · via computerweekly.com
Editor’s note: John McElroy is the president of BlueSky Productions, which produces Autoline Daily, and a longtime opinion columnist for WardsAuto. Views expressed here are his own. Take a look around the American automotive landscape, and you’ll see an industry acting as if new-car sales will grow forever. Before the decade is out, seven brand-new assembly plants are scheduled to come online in the United States alone. Cumulatively, all the big bets Toyota, Ford, Hyundai, Scout, Slate, VinFast, Lucid and Rivian are making on new assembly plants may be tooled to potentially make 1.8 million more cars and trucks. On paper, the logic seems sound: build localized capacity to offset imports, secure domestic supply chains, and prepare for a new era of propulsion. But if you lift up the hood and look at the actual data, you have to ask yourself a very uncomfortable question: Who is going to buy all these cars? According to the latest data from the Federal Reserve, existing automotive assembly plants in the U.S. are currently running at less than 70% of capacity. That means we already have nearly 4 million units of manufacturing capacity sitting entirely idle, gathering dust. And yet, we’re about to aggressively add more supply to a market that is already struggling with excess capacity. This capital expenditure spree is being driven by ten-year product cycles and five-year corporate strategies. But the auto industry is failing to look 20 years out, where a convergence of demographic shifts and alternative mobility trends is about to fundamentally change the concept of vehicle ownership. Look at the tech. Robotaxis are no longer a sci-fi experiment; they are actively picking up passengers in cities across the country. Autonomous "robocars" will transition from commercial fleets to consumer showrooms before this decade is out, according to Mercedes,
Jul 31, 2026 · via wardsauto.com
Amazon's Zoox wins approval to launch paid robotaxi service in U.S. Amazon’s Zoox has become the first autonomous vehicle company to receive a commercial exemption from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for a purpose-built robotaxi, Qazinform News Agency reports. The exemption, announced by NHTSA as part of a broader initiative to accelerate automated vehicle innovation in the United States, allows Zoox to deploy up to 2,500 purpose-built robotaxis annually for two years under enhanced federal oversight. Founded in 2014, Zoox has developed an autonomous vehicle without traditional manual controls, arguing that a purpose-built design offers a safer, more efficient ride-hailing experience. The company said the approval follows years of cooperation with NHTSA to meet federal vehicle safety standards originally designed for conventional vehicles. The commercial authorization follows a demonstration exemption granted to Zoox in 2025, after U.S. regulators introduced a new exemption pathway for domestic manufacturers of autonomous vehicles without traditional manual controls. Zoox is currently working with regulators in Nevada and California to meet the remaining requirements for commercial operations. It plans to begin charging fares in Las Vegas next month before expanding its service. According to the company, more than 500,000 riders have used its free robotaxi service in Las Vegas and the Zoox Explorers Program in San Francisco since their launch last year, while another 500,000 people have joined the waitlist. Today marks an important milestone for @Zoox and the future of autonomous mobility. We are honored to receive the first-ever commercial exemption for a purpose-built robotaxi from @NHTSAgov, enabling us to begin charging for our service. My sincere thanks to @SecDuffy,… As part of the announcement, NHTSA said it will accelerate the development of the first national performance standards for autonomous vehicles through the three-year, $5 million A2SCEND consortium with SAE Industry Technologies
Jul 31, 2026 · via qazinform.com