When the D.C. Council resumes business in the fall, it will be without Doni Crawford, the interim council member who lost her bid to finish out the rest of her former boss’s council term. During the council’s last legislative meeting before summer recess, a teary-eyed Crawford received her flowers — literally and figuratively — before thanking the members of her team and commenting on what she called the experience of a lifetime. “This has been my favorite job thus far,” Crawford said on the afternoon of July 14. “I’ve enjoyed it as a staffer, and now I’ve had the pleasure of doing it as a member. I don’t want it to stop, but unfortunately it has to end this week, and I thank you all for your words, and I will keep your words close to my heart when I’m reflecting on this time as a member in the District of Columbia representing 700,000 people.” Earlier this year, upon then-At-large D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie’s resignation, D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson (D) selected Crawford, a McDuffie staffer, to serve a portion of the former council member’s term. Crawford, whose background included a stint as a policy analyst, counted among nearly three dozen applicants. As interim council member, she introduced four bills and weighed in on policy matters during committee and legislative meetings. Most recently, during the budget deliberation cycle, she and Mendelson shaped a Budget Support Act subtitle related to RFK campus. Crawford also counted among those who crafted the District’s response to the so-called teen takeovers. As one of her council colleagues recounted, Crawford’s expertise, and fervor for equity, placed her in front of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) for an exchange of words, and ultimately the passage of an amendment to the permanent legislation. “I asked folks in the
Jul 16, 2026 · via washingtoninformer.com
It turns out that even San Francisco mayor Daniel Lurie, who once declared that the city should be a testbed for emerging tech, has his limits. Especially when that emerging tech creates a massive hours-long traffic jam that leaves thousands at a standstill. Mayor Lurie has asked state regulators to bolster rules for autonomous vehicles nearly two weeks after Waymo robotaxis became immobile in heavy July 4 traffic, ran out of power, and blocked key streets, further compounding the gridlock. The traffic jam, which trapped municipal shuttles, became a citywide problem that affected thousands of people. In his letter to the state Department of Transportation, which was viewed by TechCrunch, Lurie pointed to two events — a widespread power outage in December and the Golden Gate Bridge fireworks show on July 4 that attracted 100,000 spectators — both of which led to dozens of stranded Waymo vehicles and paralyzed traffic. The San Francisco Chronicle first reported on the letter. The events, he said in the letter, “demonstrated that California’s current regulatory framework does not adequately address how autonomous vehicles operate during major incidents, planned or not. California’s challenge now is not just whether autonomous vehicles can operate safely under normal conditions, but also whether they can perform reliably during extraordinary ones.” Lurie said autonomous vehicle manufacturers should be able to demonstrate four “core operational capabilities” and asked the California Department of Transportation to establish statewide standards to prevent future problems like the July 4 gridlock incident. Under Lurie’s vision, companies would be required to immediately remove or relocate robotaxis from active travel lanes to keep people moving and be required to be able to adapt in real time, adjusting their routes, service area, and pickup and drop-off locations. Companies would also have to share real-time operations data with local agencies,
Jul 16, 2026 · via techcrunch.com
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie Calls on State to Tighten Autonomous Vehicle Regulations After recent traffic meltdowns involving Waymo vehicles during major events, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie is calling on state regulators to set new standards for autonomous vehicles. The mayor sent a letter to state Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin on Thursday highlighting the recent traffic jams involving Waymo cars on the Fourth of July and last year during the city’s widespread power outages. “Regulating for typical conditions is no longer enough,” Lurie wrote. “California’s challenge now is not just whether autonomous vehicles can operate safely under normal conditions, but also whether they can perform reliably during extraordinary ones.” Lurie, a moderate Democrat, has championed San Francisco as the birthplace of autonomous vehicles, which he views as a boon to the city’s local economy. But criticism after high-profile events like the Fourth of July fireworks display over the Golden Gate Bridge, when dozens of stalled Waymo vehicles delayed traffic, has led him to strike a more tempered tune around Waymo and other self-driving car companies. Lurie wrote that all autonomous vehicle companies should be able to prove they are ready for large crowds and changing traffic patterns during major events before they are deployed. “Even before the fireworks began, Waymo vehicles struggled to navigate growing volumes of vehicular traffic and pedestrians. By the end of the fireworks show, autonomous vehicles became immobilized in travel lanes, blocking key streets and ultimately bringing traffic to a standstill. Muni shuttles were trapped in the gridlock,” the letter read. The California Public Utilities Commission and Department of Motor Vehicles regulate autonomous vehicles, and while Lurie’s letter could help generate attention and pressure, he has little authority to set standards for the technology, even in his own city. The mayor’s letter comes after
Jul 16, 2026 · via kqed.org
Volkswagen's Moia is launching a pilot robotaxi service in Germany, marking another major automaker stepping deeper into the autonomous mobility arena. Moia announced Wednesday that select, preregistered Hamburg residents can now book rides in a self-driving Volkswagen ID. Buzz van through the company's app. Up to five vehicles will operate at initial launch, with the fleet expected to expand to as many as 10 cars, a Moia spokesperson told Business Insider. Each car will have a trained safety monitor behind the wheel who can intervene when necessary. The spokesperson said Moai expects future driverless operations to be handled by the company's remote operations center. The pilot will function more like an autonomous shuttle — or a shared robotaxi — than a private ride like those offered by Alphabet's Waymo. Passengers traveling in the same direction may share a vehicle, while pickups and drop-offs will take place at designated virtual stops. The service will cover about 4 square miles within Hamburg. It will gradually expand to around 14 square miles, the spokesperson said. "Registration was open to anyone with the Moia app, and several thousand people have already joined the waiting list," the Moia spokesperson said. "The strong interest highlights the demand for autonomous mobility in Hamburg." Rides will be free during the pilot. Moia said passengers will also eventually be able to book the autonomous vehicles through Hamburg's hvv switch public transit app. "Our first passengers are now experiencing autonomous mobility in Hamburg's urban traffic for the first time," Moia CEO Sascha Meyer said in a statement. "For Moia, this marks an important milestone in the development of our European solution." Moia has primarily operated a human-driven, ride-pooling service in Hamburg using electric shuttles and its own booking app. In the past several years, the company has been building an
Jul 16, 2026 · via businessinsider.com
Key Points - Tesla just started offering Robotaxi services in Miami, making Florida the second state in which the service is on offer. - Tesla is actually way behind in the robotaxi race. Tesla(NASDAQ: TSLA) has been refocusing its business on robots, aiming to ramp up production of its Optimus humanoid robot. However, this is part of a broader push for autonomous machines, including self-driving cars. As usual, CEO Elon Musk has lofty aspirations, but investors need to put them into perspective. And the recent launch of Tesla's Robotaxi services in Miami offers just the opportunity. What is Tesla offering? The Robotaxi that Elon Musk is so excited about is a self-driving car service built on the Tesla vehicle platform. It is a logical next step for Tesla's electric cars, as the company has long been working on self-driving technology. It could be a big deal, potentially eliminating the need for people to own their own cars. However, that's likely a very distant outcome. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now, when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks » Right now, Tesla is still building out its Robotaxi business. Miami, Florida, is the latest location to get access to the Robotaxi service. The only other state with Robotaxi service is Texas, where it is available in Austin, Dallas, and Houston. That's a total of four markets in two states, with one of the states being where Tesla's corporate offices are located. Tesla isn't the only one working on self-driving cars The problem is that Tesla faces fierce competition in the autonomous vehicle market. Many companies are working on the technology. For example, technology giantAlphabet(NASDAQ: GOOG) has been building out its Waymo service based
Jul 16, 2026 · via theglobeandmail.com
Vertical Aerospace and Near Earth Autonomy have signed a memorandum of understanding to bring advanced autonomous flight capability to the Valo aircraft for uncrewed defence and commercial operations. Near Earth’s autonomous flight systems are designed to integrate natively with Valo’s Honeywell Aerospace Anthem avionics, creating a lower-risk path to autonomous capability. Founded in 2012, Near Earth Autonomy has developed autonomous flight systems for the US military and Honeywell Aerospace, including optionally piloted Black Hawk helicopters and autonomous demonstrations on the Leonardo AW139. The partnership aims to pursue near-term defence opportunities while building a roadmap for increasingly automated commercial passenger services. Valo is an all-electric tiltrotor aircraft, with a hybrid-electric variant under development offering up to 1,000 miles of range and payloads of up to 1,100 kg. The hybrid-electric version’s low acoustic and thermal signatures are tailored for defence and special missions, with the platform spanning logistics, resupply, and distributed operations. Stuart Simpson, Chief Executive of Vertical Aerospace, said the partnership marked a significant step into the defence market and that Valo was designed from the outset as a multi-market platform. Dr Sanjiv Singh, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of Near Earth Autonomy, said Valo offered an exceptional base for autonomy, enabling uncrewed flight across commercial and defence applications. Source: Vertical
Jul 16, 2026 · via automotiveworld.com
The Trump administration is working to develop new safety requirements governing how autonomous vehicles behave on the road as the industry contends with a series of safety mishaps.
Officials aim to finalize the new requirements before the end of President Donald Trumpâs current term, Jonathan Morrison, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrationâs top official, said in an interview. NHTSA initially plans to seek comment from the public and industry stakeholders with the goal of identifying âbehavioral competenciesâ for autonomous vehicles, with tests to measure performance.
A Tesla Cybercab prototype in front of the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York.
Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg
The goal is to craft objective safety standards âso that a manufacturer ...
Jul 16, 2026 · via news.bgov.com
AI in Arizona politics: How to spot AI-generated campaign adsAI literacy expert says skepticism, not pixel-peeping, is the best defense against AI fakesAs AI video becomes nearly indistinguishable from reality, election experts warn voters can't rely on spotting tells alone.By Derek StaahlPublished: Jul. 15, 2026 at 7:00 PM MST|Updated: 6 hours ago
Jul 16, 2026 · via azfamily.com
EV Startup Reveals $15,000 25-MPH Car That You'll Never Have To Park Chip Motors is a new EV startup betting that Americans are willing to go smaller—and pay up to have someone else do the parking. Go to any European city and you’ll find tiny city cars jittering over cobblestones and dodging tourists. Japan is positively teeming with adorable “kei” versions of everything from off-road SUVs to box trucks. Across the globe, practical little cars are everywhere. But you’d never know that looking at our Escalade- and F-150-filled roads. A Miami-based startup called Chip Motors has spent the last few years working on a small, low-speed electric vehicle that it’s betting even SUV-obsessed Americans will go for. On Wednesday, it emerged from stealth and opened up preorders for its first product, a boxy, oddball affair with a tall windshield, no doors, a cheery LED smile on its face, and a bold promise to make driving optional. It reads like a cross between a golf cart and a Jeep Wrangler—or maybe a VW Thing—and that speaks to the market Chip is trying to conquer. All over the country, in private communities but also in warm climates, people are hitting the beach and the grocery store in golf carts, Jameson Detweiler, Chip’s cofounder told InsideEVs. Chip Motors “During the pandemic, something happened. The golf carts escaped the golf communities, and were adopted widely and rapidly by families in markets where you could have the doors off basically year round, or in seasonal markets too,” he said. “And it just turns out a lot of people are doing this.” Indeed, market research and reporting indicates that golf cart sales are on the rise, including from people who want to bop around town alongside fully grown cars. That’s possible due to a section of
Jul 15, 2026 · via insideevs.com
Updated: 18 hours ago
|A driver is custody Wednesday morning after a car crashed into a University Police Services vehicle near Thomas & Mack, police say.
Updated: Jul. 13, 2026 at 4:21 PM PDT
|Updated: Jul. 13, 2026 at 8:15 AM PDT
One vehicle has rolled over and another was left on its side Monday morning after a crash in the southeast valley, police say.
Updated: Jul. 8, 2026 at 8:19 AM PDT
Waymo will soon begin fully autonomous driving in Las Vegas and three other new cities, with no human behind the wheel, according to an announcement Wednesday.
Updated: Jul. 8, 2026 at 6:30 AM PDT
|A pedestrian has been hospitalized Wednesday morning following a crash in the southern valley, police say.
Jul 15, 2026 · via fox5vegas.com
Clouds and some sun this morning with more clouds for this afternoon. Areas of smoke and haze are possible, reducing visibility at times. High 91F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy. Areas of smoke reducing visibility at times. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. WVU RoboRacer team members and an adviser are pictured with their autonomous race cars after placing third overall at the 28th RoboRacer Autonomous Racing Competition during the 2026 IEEE Intelligent Vehicles Symposium in Detroit. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A team of West Virginia University engineering students placed third overall at the 28th RoboRacer Autonomous Racing Competition in Detroit. The competition was held during the 2026 IEEE Intelligent Vehicles Symposium and featured 17 university teams, including teams from the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University and Purdue University. The WVU RoboRacer team, from the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, competed with 1:10-scale autonomous race cars designed to drive at high speeds, avoid crashes, overtake opponents and complete laps as quickly as possible. The team was led by Andrew Sarver, a master’s student in computer science, and mentored by Mohamed Elgouhary, a doctoral student in electrical engineering. Team members included Evan Anderson, a computer science graduate who plans to pursue a master’s degree in computer science this fall, and Blake Buskirk, a senior undergraduate student in electrical engineering. Amr El-Wakeel, assistant professor and coordinator for robotics in the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, said this year’s competition featured one of the longest tracks in RoboRacer history. He said some teams used artificial intelligence, including WVU. The WVU team built and integrated both hardware and software systems for its scaled-down autonomous race car. Those systems included the motor, speed controllers, an in-house 3D-printed suspension, computing board, LiDAR sensor and
Jul 15, 2026 · via wvnews.com
D.C. Wants To Charge Robotaxis $6 Million. Unions Still Say No. A proposed bill would legalize commercial autonomous vehicles in D.C. under one of the country’s most expensive regulatory frameworks, but unions still want the brakes applied. The District of Columbia is considering a bill that would permit the commercial use of autonomous vehicles (A.V.s), such as Waymo, so long as operators pay a multimillion-dollar fee. The Autonomous Vehicle Deployment Authorization Amendment Act of 2026, introduced in May by Democratic Councilmember Charles Allen, would create the first legal pathway for companies to operate driverless taxis and delivery vehicles in the district. "People want AVs as an option to get around, and I want DC to be a city that embraces innovation," Allen said in a press release. Legalizing these vehicles would be a positive not only for D.C.'s residents but also for safety. Where autonomous vehicles have been allowed, initial evidence suggests that they are far better than human drivers at avoiding crashes that result in injuries. According to Waymo's analysis of over 220 million driverless miles, A.V.s were involved in 94 percent fewer serious-injury crashes, 93 percent fewer pedestrian crashes with injuries, and 84 percent fewer cyclist crashes with injuries than human drivers covering comparable roads. The proposed bill would, however, introduce a tight and costly regulatory framework that will cause the city to forgo some of the crashes, injuries, and deaths A.V.s could prevent. Some of the restrictions include the requirement for operators to complete 250,000 miles of testing, pay $6 million for a three-year permit, carry $5 million in insurance, accept an initial 200-vehicle cap, file extensive reports, and pay an additional 15-cent tax on every mile driven. The multimillion-dollar fees would partly fund training programs for ride-share drivers deemed vulnerable to automation. However, this extraordinarily expensive
Jul 15, 2026 · via reason.com
- Xpeng plans to lift monthly capacity for its Iron humanoid robot to more than 1,000 units by the end of this year, paving the way for a global roll-out in 2027. - The company plans to deploy Iron as showroom sales assistants in China in the first quarter of 2027, before expanding the service to overseas stores later that year. Xpeng (NYSE: XPEV) is accelerating mass production of its humanoid robot as it prepares to take the product to global markets next year. The electric vehicle (EV) maker aims to increase monthly capacity for its Iron humanoid robot to more than 1,000 units by the end of this year, paving the way for a global roll-out in 2027, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. Xpeng plans to deploy Iron as sales assistants at its stores across China in the first quarter of 2027, and expand the service to overseas stores later that year, the people said. The move underscores Xpeng's ambition to transform from a smart-car company into a "physical AI company," as it repurposes AI and autonomous-driving technologies developed for EVs for use in humanoid robots. Automakers broadly see growing overlap between smart vehicles and robots in areas including AI large models, perception systems and motion control, the report noted. Xpeng unveiled the new-generation Iron humanoid robot at its AI Day in November 2025, drawing wide industry attention after the robot appeared on stage with a natural and fluid catwalk. The demonstration was so lifelike that it prompted public questions over whether a real person was hidden inside the robot, forcing Xpeng chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng to publicly show its internal structure. The robot, 178 centimeters tall and weighing 70 kilograms, is powered by all-solid-state batteries. It is equipped with 3
Jul 15, 2026 · via cnevpost.com
Automotive Dealer Demand Trends: June 2026 Looking at the June 2026 consumer demand metrics reveals fascinating shifts in consumer preferences, the enduring power of classic nameplates, and how electrification is rewriting the rules of traditional vehicle segmentation. This data is provided exclusively to The Truth About Cars via AutoFinder.com—an automotive marketplace featuring over 3 million new and used vehicle listings. AutoFinder connects shoppers with dealerships nationwide to easily find and secure the best deal on a car, truck, or SUV. The data is generated when shoppers express interest in connecting with a dealer to speak about a specific make and model. Below is an analysis broken down by each major vehicle segment, highlighting the market leaders driving consumer interest last month. Pickup Trucks: The Ultimate American Battleground The pickup truck market continues to be dominated by domestic automakers, with a few strong import challengers keeping them honest. - The Leader: The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 secures the #1 spot for June 2026, out-muscling its perennial rival, the Ford F-150 (#2), for consumer research dominance. - Midsize Surge: The Chevrolet Colorado (#3) and Toyota Tacoma (#5) demonstrate that buyers are looking for high-capability footprints without the full-size parking hassle. - Heavy-Duty & Premium Interest: GMC makes a strong showing with the premium GMC Sierra 1500 at #4, while heavy-duty variants like the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD (#6) and GMC Sierra 2500HD (#10) prove that commercial and heavy-towing demand remains robust. Sedans: Practicality and Reliability Reign Supreme Despite the historic market shift toward utility vehicles, the sedan segment remains a highly competitive, high-volume environment where efficiency and value are paramount. - The Unshakable Giants: The Toyota Camry (#1) and Honda Civic (#2) continue their decades-long rivalry at the top of the charts. Their smaller and larger stablemates—the Toyota Corolla (#3) and Honda Accord (#4)—lock
Jul 15, 2026 · via thetruthaboutcars.com
US unveils end-to-end autonomous system to detect and neutralize naval mines The portable SIGURD platform pairs mine detection with autonomous neutralization and is already undergoing government testing. Read Next: Russia's new rifle calibre bullets disintegrate into 3 mid-flight, can hit high-speed dronesAs naval mines pose growing risks across strategic waterways, U.S. defense startup Vatn Systems has introduced a compact autonomous system designed to tackle the threat. Called SIGURD, the new platform gives military operators a portable way to find underwater mines and eliminate them without relying on large, dedicated mine warfare vessels. The system is based on Vatn’s Skelmir S6 autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). It focuses on one of naval warfare’s most demanding missions, where clearing a single minefield can consume significant time, manpower, and resources. Vatn says government customers are already testing SIGURD, and the company expects the system to become deployable later this year. Tackling underwater mines Naval mines remain one of the most cost-effective weapons in maritime conflict. A relatively inexpensive mine can disrupt commercial shipping or delay naval operations for days. Removing those threats is often far more difficult than placing them. Conventional mine countermeasure missions usually depend on specialized ships and highly trained explosive ordnance disposal teams. Those operations can also take considerable time before waterways reopen. Vatn believes autonomous underwater vehicles can shorten that process. The company designed SIGURD as a man-portable system that operators can deploy directly into contested waters. Chief Executive Officer Nelson Mills said demand has increased as military planners place greater focus on securing critical maritime chokepoints. Two mission variants Vatn offers SIGURD in two separate configurations. Operators can deploy each version individually. They can also combine them during a complete mine countermeasure mission. More from Military See AllThe first variant searches for underwater mines. It carries a side-scan sonar
Jul 15, 2026 · via interestingengineering.com
WeRide begins international testing of end-to-end AV system In July 2026, WeRide began on-road testing and localization validation of its one-stage end-to-end intelligent driving solution in Germany, France, Japan, and other international markets. The system is built on WeRide’s proprietary end-to-end driving algorithm and integrated with Bosch’s automotive-grade domain controller platform, combining the two companies’ respective software and hardware expertise. The international testing program is designed to build out WeRide’s engineering and validation capabilities across diverse regulatory frameworks, road infrastructures, and driving environments. The company says its unified end-to-end AI architecture, which integrates perception, prediction, planning, and control within a single model, enables faster adaptation across varied conditions, from Germany’s unrestricted motorways and France’s dense roundabout networks to right-hand-drive markets in Japan and extreme climate conditions in the Middle East. WeRide is also working with multiple automakers to incorporate regional driving behaviors and customer preferences into product development. The company has accumulated commercial traction in China, where Chery Exeed models equipped with WRD 3.0 have taken six consecutive victories at the China Intelligent Driving Challenge over the past six months. The system has secured design wins across more than 30 production vehicle programs with Chery and GAC Group. Impact on the Automotive Market Digital transformation has been driving advancements across the automotive market. Connected vehicles now feature real-time diagnostics, smartphone integration, and over-the-air (OTA) updates, while autonomous driving technologies leverage AI and advanced sensors for enhanced navigation. There is also a growing expectation for vehicles that are able to seamlessly integrate with our digital lifestyles. Features like real-time navigation, voice-activated controls, and advanced infotainment systems are no longer optional but have now become essential. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in the automotive industry enables manufacturers and service providers to streamline operations and reduce costs. AI-driven systems significantly reduce human errors and
Jul 15, 2026 · via precedenceresearch.com
KONGSBERG, Oceaneering to Support Autonomous Defense Combat Program for XLUUV
KONGSBERG and Oceaneering International, Inc. announced their selection by the U.S. Department of War’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to support the Combat Autonomous Maritime Platform (CAMP) program, focused on the development of an Extra-Large Uncrewed Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV) for future U.S. Navy missions.
The CAMP program accelerates the transition of mature commercial and defense technologies into operational naval capabilities. This collaboration will focus on concept definition, system architecture, and design trade studies, emphasizing modularity, interoperability, and rapid integration.
The design is expected to be delivered in the third quarter of this year.
Jul 15, 2026 · via marinetechnologynews.com
First Hydrogen Corp. has announced progress in developing artificial intelligence capabilities for its unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) platform, expanding its hydrogen mobility business into advanced robotics, autonomous systems, and defence and security technologies. The company is focusing on AI-powered capabilities designed to support defence, security, counter-drone operations, autonomous navigation, and mission-adaptive field operations. Balraj Mann, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First Hydrogen, explained: “The battlefield and security environment is changing rapidly, and autonomous systems are becoming increasingly important across defence, infrastructure protection and emergency response. “By pursuing specialised artificial intelligence expertise for our UGV programme, we are strengthening the platform’s potential to support next-generation defence and security applications, including autonomous navigation, situational awareness and counter-drone support. “We believe this represents a natural extension of First Hydrogen’s strategy at the intersection of clean energy, autonomous systems, mobility and advanced robotics.” Addressing the evolving drone threat As drone threats become increasingly sophisticated, evolving from individual first-person-view (FPV) attacks to coordinated multi-drone operations, defence and security organisations are seeking new layers of protection beyond traditional aerial systems. First Hydrogen believes intelligent autonomous ground platforms can play an important role in this changing landscape by supporting force protection, reconnaissance, logistics, sensor deployment, and counter-unmanned aerial systems (counter-UAS) operations. The company says its UGV platform is designed to extend operational coverage, strengthen security perimeters, and enable personnel to supervise multiple autonomous systems while reducing their exposure to hazardous environments. Strengthening AI expertise To accelerate development, First Hydrogen is in discussions with an experienced artificial intelligence specialist with expertise in autonomous systems, advanced computing, and defence technology programmes. The collaboration is expected to support the company’s AI development roadmap, with a focus on improving autonomous decision-making, situational awareness, sensor fusion, threat detection, and overall mission effectiveness. AI capabilities under development The proposed AI programme will
Jul 14, 2026 · via innovationnewsnetwork.com
Euro NCAP has introduced its advanced 2026 vehicle safety assessment protocols, raising the standard for consumer protection, placing greater emphasis on intuitive and effective driver assistance systems, robust crash avoidance, occupant protection for a diverse population and post-crash safety and care. Both the new BMW iX3 and the Zeekr 7GT have earned Euro NCAP’s highest five-star safety score under the new protocols, becoming the first vehicles to achieve this top rating. The new protocols categorize testing around four Stages of Safety. Safe Driving assesses how well the vehicle supports the driver and passengers to provide a safer driving experience; Crash Avoidance evaluates how effectively the vehicle identifies hazards and helps prevent or reduce the severity of a crash; Crash Protection looks at how well the vehicle’s structure, airbags and restraints protect occupants and other road users during a collision; and Post Crash examines whether the vehicle’s design and onboard systems can assist emergency responders in treating occupants after a crash. BMW iX3 The Neue Klasse BMW iX3 50 xDrive delivered an outstanding performance across all stages of the assessment and may be BMW’s safest car to date, said Euro NCAP. In Safe Driving, the iX3 was praised for its dedicated physical controls for the indicators, hazard lights, horn, headlights and gear selectors, scoring 73%. Its driver monitoring proved effective at detecting driver fatigue and impairment, though it demonstrated lower sensitivity toward short-term visual distraction. During a 2,000km real-world road trial across Italy, France, Germany and Austria, its speed limit assist function identified signage changes correctly in 86% of instances, covering 97% of the driven distance. According to Euro NCAP, the vehicle’s Crash Avoidance technologies performed well, with its autonomous emergency braking system exceeding the new requirements and showing good mitigation across vehicle-to-vehicle, junction-turning and motorcycle collision scenarios. Euro NCAP also
Jul 14, 2026 · via automotivetestingtechnologyinternational.com
Federal safety regulators are putting autonomous vehicle companies on notice: if their driverless cars cannot safely deal with police, firefighters and ambulances, the technology still has work to do. On July 8th, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Administrator Jonathan Morrison issued a public call to action to driverless automated driving system developers warning that the agency has seen a “clear pattern” of autonomous vehicles interfering with law enforcement and other first responders. You can read the full letter here. The concern is not theoretical. NHTSA said it has documented incidents in which autonomous vehicles drove into active emergency scenes, blocked ambulances or firefighters, or failed to properly respond to flashing lights, flares, smoke, fire and traffic cones. Morrison’s message was direct: an autonomous vehicle that cannot safely interact with first responders is a danger to the public. In its letter, NHTSA said it will meet with driverless vehicle developers by the end of July to hear what steps they plan to take to address the issue. The agency also said it will continue to use its enforcement authority against companies that fail to deal with significant safety concerns. In other words, Washington is not just asking robotaxis to use better manners. It is telling the companies behind them to fix a problem that can have real consequences when seconds matter. NHTSA did not name specific companies in the letter and did not identify specific incidents. However, Reuters notes that local media in Texas reported a late-May incident in Dallas involving a Waymo self-driving vehicle that partially blocked a route being used by fire trucks responding to an apartment fire. Reuters also reported that Waymo did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The warning comes as driverless vehicle operations continue to expand in several U.S. markets. Waymo, owned by
Jul 14, 2026 · via carpro.com