(The Center Square) – Virginia is moving closer to setting rules for commercial self-driving vehicles after a work group wrapped up its final meeting Friday. Members of the Autonomous Driving Work Group agreed to move forward with draft legislation for the 2027 General Assembly session after two years and two administrations. The group has been looking at how self-driving vehicles could operate in Virginia and what rules would be needed before companies move beyond testing. Virginia does not have a specific statewide framework governing autonomous vehicle testing, permitting or deployment, leaving questions of oversight, insurance and law-enforcement interaction unresolved. Members focused largely on level 4 vehicles, which can operate without a human driver under certain conditions. They also backed limiting the initial framework to commercial use, requiring a pilot period before wider deployment and putting the Department of Motor Vehicles in charge of permits. Companies would have to complete that pilot period before moving into full autonomous operation, with DMV deciding whether each operator met the required safety standards. Members also supported requiring companies to provide safety information, first-responder interaction plans and details on where the vehicles could operate, including limits tied to location, roads, weather or other conditions. Some questions remain unresolved. The group debated how safe a self-driving vehicle should have to prove it is before moving beyond the pilot stage. Rather than setting a fixed crash-rate target, members favored giving DMV room to decide whether each company had safely completed its pilot based on its operating conditions, miles driven and vehicle type. Taxes, fees and worker protections also drew debate. A workforce study presented Friday found that driver displacement and lost income were the biggest labor concerns raised by transportation workers and other stakeholders. The study also pointed to possible benefits, including new jobs tied to autonomous
Aug 31, 2026 · via cbs19news.com
On the Dash: - Dealers will need to stay ahead of software and connected-vehicle training as SDV technology becomes more common in future Honda and Nissan models. - Shared vehicle technology could make future products easier to update and maintain, while changing how dealers explain features to customers. - Mitsubishi’s potential involvement could expand the technology partnership and give dealers another indication of how alliance partners are consolidating development costs. Honda and Nissan announced today that they will collaborate to develop standardized electronic control units (ECUs) for software-defined vehicles. The companies plan to integrate these jointly developed ECUs and software into next-generation vehicles starting in fiscal year 2029. This partnership builds on their collaboration that began with software platform research in 2024. As vehicles incorporate more connected and autonomous features, software has become a crucial area of competition among automakers and companies are making significant investments in operating systems that support driver assistance, entertainment, and over-the-air updates, leading to increased vehicle development costs. Honda and Nissan aim to establish common specifications for core ECUs within their electrical and electronic architectures. Their collaboration will also extend to operating systems, middleware, and vehicle-control software. Standardizing technology could enable the automakers to share development resources across future vehicle programs. Chinese automakers increase pressure Both Honda and Nissan are facing growing competition from Chinese automakers such as BYD, which have gained traction in Europe and Southeast Asia with EVs and hybrids that feature advanced software. The industry’s shift toward a standardized software architecture reflects a broader effort to enhance vehicle technology while managing costs. Moreover, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan’s alliance partner, is also considering joining the collaboration and is currently in discussions with the two companies about potential areas of partnership. Notably, an expanded collaboration could increase the scale of the shared technology architecture. Though
Aug 31, 2026 · via cbtnews.com
Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda agree to work together on software for cars Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda are going to jointly develop computer parts and software for vehicles set to enter the market in fiscal 2029 TOKYO -- Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda entered a deal to jointly develop computer parts and software for vehicles set to enter the market in fiscal 2029, both sides said Monday. Under the deal, Nissan, based in the port city of Yokohama, and Tokyo-based Honda will share standardized parts in “core ECUs,” or electronic control units, as well as software. Nissan and Honda started talks in 2024 to work together in developing electric vehicles and auto intelligence technology. Nissan makes Leaf electric cars and Infiniti luxury models, while Honda makes the Accord sedan, Civic compact and Odyssey minivan. Monday’s agreement did not specifically mention EVs, or any model names, and was focused on so-called software-defined vehicles, which could include EVs. These vehicles have functions and features that can be updated and controlled by software, rather than the mechanics of hardware. The global competition in the auto industry is increasingly intensifying as it moves into various technologies, such as automated driving and zero emissions. Each vehicle is starting to be more like a computer packed with electronic parts and software rather than the old image of the gas-guzzling engines. Sharing components and collaborating on research will help cut costs and speed up development, as well as add efficiency in economy of scale once the vehicles go into production. European makers Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis are working together in software development so they can share the same operating system. Both Nissan and Honda are overshadowed by Toyota Motor Corp., the top Japanese automaker, and working together could be a plus in competing against Toyota.
Aug 31, 2026 · via abcnews.com
- Momenta reported a gross margin of 73.2% in the first half, while adjusted loss narrowed to 14.1 million yuan. - New installations of mass-production solutions rose 83.7% year-on-year to about 321,000 units in the first half. Momenta (HKEX: 6880) on Monday reported its first results since listing, with first-half revenue rising 75.9% year-on-year to 1.6 billion yuan ($236 million). The growth was mainly driven by an increase in vehicle model nominations and the number of mass-produced vehicle models. Revenue from technical development services rose 81.5% to 995 million yuan, accounting for 62.1% of total revenue. Revenue from licensing services increased 67.5% to 607 million yuan, representing 37.9% of total revenue. Gross profit rose 79.4% to 1.17 billion yuan, while gross margin increased by 1.4 percentage points to 73.2%. On a non-IFRS basis, Momenta's adjusted loss narrowed 96.6% to 14.1 million yuan from 416 million yuan a year earlier, according to a Hong Kong exchange filing. The measure excludes share-based compensation, changes in the fair value of preferred shares and other financial liabilities, and listing expenses. On an IFRS basis, Momenta's first-half net loss widened to 16.54 billion yuan from 1.7 billion yuan a year earlier. The wider loss was primarily driven by a 16.31 billion yuan charge arising from changes in the fair value of preferred shares and other financial liabilities. All of the preferred shares were converted into ordinary shares after Momenta completed its listing in July. The company said the fair-value change was a noncash item and would not result in future cash outflows. Expansion of the core business continued to accelerate. New installations of Momenta's solutions in mass-produced vehicles totaled about 321,000 units in the first half, up 83.7% year-on-year, taking cumulative installations above 1 million units. The company delivered 37 mass-produced vehicle models during the
Aug 31, 2026 · via cnevpost.com
Hundreds of Waymo’s newest robotaxis have been photographed massed in a Southern California port lot without any of the sensors that make them drive themselves — as the company continues expanding its fleet with China-built vehicles. A user posting as ‘Full_Astern’ posted the photographs on Sunday to the r/waymo forum showing hundreds of pale-blue vans, roofs bare, parked at the Los Angeles Port. The Ojai is built by Zeekr, the premium marque of China’s Geely Holding Group, on the SEA-M platform at Ningbo, Zhejiang. The US Commerce Department’s connected-vehicle rule takes effect for model year 2027 and bars vehicle-connectivity and driver-assistance hardware or software sourced from China or Russia. Waymo’s answer is to import the shells stripped of Chinese connectivity hardware and sensors entirely. The vehicles are shipped to a facility in Mesa, Arizona, operated with the Canadian giant Magna, where Waymo installs its own US-designed compute and sensor suite: 13 cameras, four lidar units, six radar units, an array of external audio receivers and a 17-megapixel imager. Waymo’s regulatory framing is that what arrives is not a connected vehicle at all — a rolling chassis, a glider. “Those Chinese vehicles, the Geely vehicles, have no smarts, no connectivity,” Chief Safety Officer Mauricio Peña has said earlier this year. The company has also said Zeekr receives no access to its autonomous driving technology, sensor data or rider information. The relationship runs deeper than an off-the-shelf purchase — Waymo and Zeekr announced a partnership in 2021 and co-developed the vehicle on the SEA-M platform over three years — but the hardware and the data stay on the American side. The Political Risk None of that has settled the question in Washington. A bipartisan Senate bill would bar the Zeekr-built chassis by 2027. Zeekr is a Geely subsidiary, and Geely’s Polestar brand
Aug 31, 2026 · via eletric-vehicles.com
Waymo is offering Oregon lawmakers and officials a free trip to Phoenix to persuade them to support the launch of its robotaxi service. Here's what to know As Waymo pushes to move operations to Oregon, the company has offered Oregon officials a trip to its flagship city, Phoenix, Arizona, where it launched its robotaxi service, so they can see the technology in operation, according to OregonLive. The proposed October trip would last two days and would let public officials ride in Waymo's autonomous vehicles, providing a direct look at what the experience is like and how they behave in everyday traffic. The invitation comes as Portland has not approved Waymo to put self-driving cars into service, even though the Alphabet-owned company has already used vehicles with human drivers to map the city's streets. In 2026, lawmakers rejected legislation supported by Waymo, but OregonLive reported that statewide autonomous vehicle rules could come back up in 2027. The Arizona visit also fits into a larger lobbying campaign around how Oregon may choose to regulate the technology. More background Self-driving vehicles are often promoted as a transportation breakthrough that could one day reduce crashes caused by human error, expand mobility for some riders, and reshape urban travel. However, the technology also raises familiar concerns about public safety, oversight, liability, labor impacts, and regulators' ability to keep pace with rapid innovation. In Oregon, many of those questions remain unresolved. Any statewide action in 2027 could have an outsized effect on whether residents begin seeing commercial robotaxis on local streets. What's being done? Waymo appears focused on familiarizing Oregon officials with its service before any new statewide rules are considered. A controlled visit to Phoenix gives lawmakers an opportunity to observe a live commercial operation rather than debate the concept in theory. That kind of
Aug 31, 2026 · via thecooldown.com
WeRide joins the HKEX Tech 100 Index, highlighting its growth in autonomous driving and technology innovation. Quiver AI Summary WeRide, a leader in autonomous driving technology, has been included in the HKEX Tech 100 Index as part of the latest quarterly index review by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX). This change will take effect on September 14, 2026. The HKEX Tech 100 Index, launched in December 2025, serves as a benchmark for Hong Kong's technology sector and includes 100 large and mid-cap companies across various tech themes. WeRide's inclusion reflects its strong position in technological innovation and commercialization in the autonomous driving field, which has seen significant international expansion and substantial financial growth, including a 82% year-on-year revenue increase in the second quarter of 2026. The company operates over 3,400 autonomous vehicles in 13 countries and has achieved fully driverless operations in multiple cities. With its participation in the HKEX Tech 100 Index, WeRide aims to enhance its market visibility and continues to focus on expanding its commercial applications of Physical AI, improving efficiency, and delivering long-term value. Potential Positives - WeRide's inclusion in the HKEX Tech 100 Index signifies recognition of its leading position in the autonomous driving technology sector, enhancing its visibility among investors in Hong Kong's technology ecosystem. - The company's substantial revenue growth of 82% year-on-year and 103% quarter-on-quarter demonstrates strong financial performance and operational efficiency. - WeRide's global footprint, with operations in over 60 cities across 13 countries, highlights its successful international expansion and commercialization strategy. - The launch of the WRD 3.0 ADAS solution into mass production, along with nominations for more than 30 vehicle models, indicates advancements in technology and potential for further market penetration. Potential Negatives - WeRide's inclusion in the HKEX Tech 100 Index may indicate increasing competition in
Aug 31, 2026 · via quiverquant.com
Dealership Uses Drones To Deliver Oil Filters In Under 2 Minutes Jack Demmer Ford's metro Detroit pilot moves 7.6-pound parts within a 12-mile radius to cut traffic delays for repair customers. - Jack Demmer Ford moved its drone pilot into live runs, delivering small parts across a 12-mile metro Detroit radius. - blueflite provides a tiltrotor drone that can fly autonomously or piloted and includes a parachute. - Michigan's Advanced Air Mobility grant gave $740,000, with Jack Demmer adding $117,500. Jack Demmer Ford's parts counter in Wayne, Michigan, now has an aircraft on call. The dealership group has moved its drone delivery pilot out of test mode and into live commercial runs, ferrying oil filters and other small parts across metro Detroit instead of routing them through traffic. Jack Demmer Automotive Group built the network with drone firms blueflite and Airspace Link, backed by a $740,000 grant from Michigan's Advanced Air Mobility Activation Fund. The goal is simple: get a part to a technician faster than a driver stuck at a red light. Gallery: Blueflite tiltrotor drone Ford Drone Parts Delivery In Detroit The service covers a 12-mile radius around Jack Demmer Ford dealerships in the Ann Arbor to Detroit corridor, a footprint the companies say lets them reach multiple service points without staging a truck at each one. State paperwork puts the total project cost at $857,372, with Jack Demmer Ford kicking in $117,500 on top of the state's contribution. Early flights carried genuinely small cargo, oil filters among them, built around a 7.6-pound payload limit on a drone that tops out at 55 pounds fully loaded. One documented run near Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant took under two minutes and paused mid-flight rather than cross over moving vehicles below it, which tells you more about the operating discipline than
Aug 31, 2026 · via motor1.com
WeRide Included in HKEX Tech 100 Index Following September 2026 Quarterly Review Rhea-AI Summary WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD, HKEX: 0800) announced its inclusion in the HKEX Tech 100 Index following HKEX’s September 2026 quarterly review, with changes effective after market close on September 11 and taking effect on September 14, 2026. The index tracks 100 large- and mid-cap Southbound Stock Connect-eligible technology companies across six innovation themes and inclusion makes WeRide eligible for related index-linked products. According to WeRide, its selection under HKEX’s enhanced methodology highlights its role in autonomous driving and Physical AI. WeRide reports L4 operations in 13 countries and 60 cities, a fleet of about 3,400 vehicles including over 1,800 Robotaxis, fully driverless commercial services in four cities, and expanding deployments in Asia, the Middle East and Europe. In Q2 2026, revenue reached US$34.2 million, up 82% YoY and 103% QoQ, with gross margin improving to 37.5%, supported by mass production of its WRD 3.0 ADAS solution and broader commercialization. Positive - HKEX Tech 100 Index inclusion effective September 14, 2026 - Q2 2026 revenue US$34.2 million, +82% YoY and +103% QoQ - Gross margin 37.5% in Q2 2026, up 9.4 percentage points YoY - WRD 3.0 ADAS ~30,000 units delivered in Q2 2026, >30 model nominations - L4 fleet scale ~3,400 vehicles, including >1,800 Robotaxis across 13 countries, 60 cities - Dual Primary Listing on Nasdaq and HKEX and inclusion in Stock Connect in June 2026 Negative - None. Key Figures Historical Context | Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst | |---|---|---|---|---| | Aug 12 | 2Q2026 earnings | Positive | -9.6% | Revenue growth and margin expansion contrasted with a negative 24-hour reaction. | | Aug 03 | Denmark partnership | Positive | +1.4% | Strategic Denmark L4 partnership and Nordic expansion
Aug 31, 2026 · via stocktitan.net
HONG KONG, Aug. 31, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD, HKEX: 0800), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, today announced its inclusion as a constituent of the HKEX Tech 100 Index following the latest quarterly index review released by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX). The index changes will be implemented after market close on September 11 and take effect on September 14, 2026. HKEX Tech 100 Index Quarterly Review Announcement Launched in December 2025, the HKEX Tech 100 Index is the first Hong Kong equities index developed by HKEX and serves as a broad-based benchmark for Hong Kong's technology and innovation ecosystem. The index comprises 100 large- and mid-cap companies eligible for Southbound Stock Connect, spanning six major technology and innovation themes: artificial intelligence, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, electric vehicles and intelligent driving, information technology, internet services, and robotics. Constituents include leading technology companies such as Tencent, Alibaba, and Xiaomi. Following the latest rebalancing, WeRide will also become eligible for inclusion in the investment universe tracked by related index-linked products. The latest review marks the first constituent adjustment under the enhanced methodology announced by HKEX on August 18, which further refines the eligibility and constituent selection criteria for technology companies while expanding coverage of emerging technology trends, including opportunities across the artificial intelligence value chain. Companies must meet requirements related to technology-theme relevance, listing history, liquidity, as well as thresholds for R&D investment or revenue growth, with constituents selected based on their average daily market capitalization ranking over the preceding 12 months. Autonomous driving is the first Physical AI application to achieve large-scale commercialization, and is capable of generating large-scale real-world data feedback loops and sustainable paid operations. WeRide's inclusion in the first quarterly rebalancing following the methodology enhancement reflects the company's strengths in both technological innovation
Aug 31, 2026 · via globenewswire.com
Stratom wins SBIR Phase III contract for autonomous cargo handling Key Highlights - Stratom's APL is designed to load, unload, and move palletized cargo up to 10,000 pounds in austere environments. - The system supports military aircraft such as CH-53K and C-130, with ongoing efforts to expand payload compatibility to include munitions and various pallet types. - Phase III will focus on advancing autonomy from feature-based to conditional and supervised behaviors, enabling higher-level task management. LOUISVILLE, Colo. - Stratom has won a four-year Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III contract sponsored by U.S. Transportation Command to continue development of its Autonomous Pallet Loader (APL) for military cargo handling in distributed and contested logistics environments. The contract, executed through Air Force CyberWorx, builds on previous SBIR work on the APL with the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force. Stratom says the Phase III effort will also involve U.S. Central Command and support the Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise. The APL is an autonomous material-handling vehicle designed to load, unload, and move palletized cargo in austere environments. The system is designed to handle payloads of up to 10,000 pounds and has been developed for compatibility with military aircraft, including the CH-53K King Stallion and C-130 Hercules. Related: BLADE unveils Dire WOLF logistics UGV for the Army's 'Project Sustainment' Stratom says an APL prototype has demonstrated loading and unloading a 463L pallet weighing up to 10,000 pounds. The company also says the system is designed for operation on austere flight lines, expeditionary advanced bases, and forward arming and refueling points. Earlier SBIR work included developing autonomous cargo pickup and drop-off, cross-decking with aircraft ramps, and autonomous driving into and out of aircraft. The program has also included development of sensors for cargo stability and operator situational awareness, as well as testing
Aug 31, 2026 · via militaryaerospace.com
DiDi Autonomous Driving Begins Fully Driverless Service Trials with Next-Generation Robotaxi R2 Key Highlights: - DiDi Autonomous Driving began fully driverless service trials with its next-generation Robotaxi R2 - With new upgrades in driving performance and cabin experience, the new vehicle is available for bookings in selected demonstration areas in Beijing and Guangzhou via the DiDi App DUBAI, UAE, Aug. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- DiDi Autonomous Driving began fully driverless service trials with its next-generation Robotaxi R2. Jointly developed by DiDi Autonomous Driving and GAC Aion, the new vehicle features upgrades in autonomous driving performance and cabin experience. It is now available for bookings via the DiDi App in selected demonstration areas in Beijing and Guangzhou. The new vehicle R2 is purpose-built for Robotaxi services and designed for global deployment. Powered by DiDi Autonomous Driving's Level 4 full-stack software and hardware, it is equipped with 33 sensors and a triple-domain fusion central computing platform to enhance perception accuracy and its ability to handle complex driving scenarios. It also meets five-star safety standards under C-NCAP and Euro NCAP and incorporates a multi-layer redundancy system. The new vehicle maximizes rear passenger space and features high-angle adjustable seats. Equipped with a 17.3-inch ceiling-mounted screen with entertainment features, it has an AI voice interaction system that allows riders to complete PIN verification and start the trip, adjust the air conditioning, open the windows and control the ambient lighting through voice commands. Before arriving at the pickup point, the vehicle will open its windows to ventilate the cabin. Additional features will be rolled out gradually, including an exterior interaction screen, options to preset cabin temperature and ambient lighting color, as well as vehicle-locating features using the horn and voice prompts. Safety and reliability underpin every upgrade to the rider experience. R2 has undergone rigorous testing
Aug 31, 2026 · via prnewswire.com
Autonomous vehicle testing by Waymo and Zoox has come under fresh scrutiny after more than two dozen test driver injuries were reported during 2024 and 2025. The injuries were linked to hard braking and other sudden movements by the vehicles, according to data submitted to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and reviewed. Waymo Reports 16 Test Driver Injuries Transdev, which employs and manages Waymo test drivers, reported 16 injuries across San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix. Five injuries were recorded in 2024, while the number increased to 11 in 2025. Several reports cited hard braking or unexpected vehicle behavior as the cause. One 2025 incident in Phoenix involved an autonomous vehicle making an exaggerated braking maneuver without an apparent obstruction. The test driver reportedly remained away from work for 157 days. Another incident in Los Angeles involved a vehicle braking after detecting children playing in its path, with the worker reportedly missing 175 days of work. Waymo did not provide specific responses to questions about the OSHA injury reports. The company told TechCrunch that human operators remain part of its validation process and that information collected during those drives is incorporated into its autonomous driving service. Zoox Test Drivers Report Injuries From Hard Braking Zoox reported as many as eight worker injuries associated with hard braking. Seven of the eight OSHA entries specifically referenced hard braking, "nogo" events or "brake jabs," according to TechCrunch. The incidents included injuries to workers' shoulders, arms, necks, ribs, spine and pelvis. In one January 2025 incident in San Francisco, a Zoox test vehicle reportedly made a harsh stop that injured a contractor's shoulder and upper arm. Current and former Zoox contractors also told TechCrunch that modified Toyota Highlander test vehicles continued making abrupt braking maneuvers as recently as July 2026. Some workers
Aug 31, 2026 · via itechpost.com
The Xiaomi Skynomad N90 Max full-size EREV crossover drove 1,230 km from Shanghai to Beijing on a single battery charge and a full fuel tank, the deputy general manager of the strategic marketing department, Xu Jieyun, shared. He also shared a video of the test. The Xiaomi Skynomad N90 Max was driving from Shanghai to Beijing with four people and the additional load of 50 kg. Its climate control system was set to 24 degrees Celsius. The car was driving in Eco mode with a priority to electric driving mode. Tire pressure was set to 2.9 bar. The energy recovery system was set to 80% efficiency. According to Xu Jieyun, the Skynomad N90 Max’s average highway speed was 104 km/h. Moreover, the car was driven with the help of a “Hyper Autonomous Driving” assisted driving system. As a result, the Skynomad N90 Max’s pure electric range reached 323.6 km. It is 69.7% of the claimed CLTC range. The average energy consumption of the N90 Max in electric mode was 19.7 kWh. After the vehicle’s range extender kicked in, it achieved an average fuel capacity of 6.7 km/h. The Xiaomi Skynomad N90 Max completed the test, driving from the 5G Future Center in Shanghai to the Xiaomi car manufacturing facility in Beijing. The route took 1,230 km. After completing the trip, the car’s system showed 54 km of remaining range. It means that the Skynomad N90’s real-world range is around 1,284 km. It is 75.3% of the declared CLTC range. The Xiaomi Skynomad N90 Max is a full-size SUV with dimensions of 5285/1998/1825 mm. Its wheelbase reaches 3,080 mm. It has a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine from Changan subsidiary Dongan under the hood. This ICE acts as a generator, sending power to a 76 kWh CALB-made ternary NMC battery. The N90 Max
Aug 31, 2026 · via carnewschina.com
China's Pony.ai to Deploy 200 Robotaxis in Seoul, Targeting Fully Driverless Service by 2028 Chinese autonomous driving company Pony.ai has officially announced plans to operate fully driverless robotaxis in Seoul. In partnership with South Korean partner FutureLink, the company will phase in 200 seventh-generation robotaxis, targeting fully driverless service without safety drivers by 2028 at the latest. The two companies signed a strategic cooperation agreement on the 28th at the Conrad Hotel in Seoul's Yeouido district and unveiled their business plans. They will first import 10 vehicles to undergo safety and performance certification procedures with South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Korea Transportation Safety Authority's Automobile Safety Research Institute (KATRI). Once certification is complete, the remaining 190 vehicles will be brought in and deployed in the Seoul Autonomous Driving Pilot Zone and other areas. The vehicles are seventh-generation robotaxis co-developed by Pony.ai and BAIC Group. Unlike previous models that were retrofitted from existing vehicles, these were designed with autonomous driving in mind from the production stage. Sensors, computing systems, and power and braking systems are all redundant, and remote monitoring capabilities are built in. Component costs have been reduced to 70% of the previous generation, and more than 2,000 units are currently operating in China and elsewhere. James Peng, co-founder and CEO of Pony.ai, said, "The 200 vehicles currently planned are only the first phase," adding, "Our goal is to deploy fully driverless robotaxis on South Korean roads after vehicle certification." He emphasized that the South Korean volume is separate from the previously announced plan to deploy 4,000 vehicles in Europe and the Middle East, adding, "If the business proceeds successfully, we will increase the number of vehicles." Confidence from 87,000 km of testing in Gangnam This plan effectively transitions two years of domestic testing by
Aug 30, 2026 · via finance.biggo.com
“There is a march of science; but who shall beat the drums for its retreat?” English essayist Charles Lamb posed this seminal question in a letter in 1830. This Labor Day, I am reminded of the potential costs as well as benefits to innovations — some so dire that they should be paused if not stopped entirely. Think nuclear weapons. Or take the cloning of humans — a bridge too far made most publicly visible in 2018 when Chinese biophysicist He Jiankui employed CRISP-Cas9 technology to edit the genes of more than a half-dozen human embryos, resulting in the birth of twins ostensibly resistant to HIV. For his hubris, He served three years in prison. Whether such work goes on in secret is unknown. Meanwhile, court battles are being fought over how much of research in artificial intelligence should be public. Even as consumers inspect packaged foods for labeling of genetically modified products, while bombs fall intermittently in Iran to slow any development of nuclear capability by this sponsor of terrorism, Labor Day should cause us to consider the transformation of the workplace by AI, especially its potential impact on entry-level jobs, not to mention white-collar work. Were Lamb alive today, he might consider this manmade ghost in the machine to be leading the pack as it marches at double-time. We can try to compartmentalize nuclear warfare capability and ban dangerous human gene research, but AI technology won’t stay bottled in the lab. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei put the economic and societal impacts of AI squarely on the radar in 2025: “AI could eliminate up to half of all entry-level jobs in the next five years.” He went on to predict up to 20 percent unemployment. Given his dire prognostication, Amodei has advocated for something espoused by some economists as
Aug 30, 2026 · via berkshireeagle.com
Two hundred robotaxis from Chinese Autonomous Driving corporation Pony.ai will run on Korean roads. The vehicles are from BAIC, fitted with Pony.ai's Autonomous Driving technology. FutureLink, an Autonomous Driving-specialized subsidiary of KOSDAQ-listed PonyLink, will handle Pony.ai robotaxis' certification and service operations in Korea. ◇ FutureLink, Pony.ai have worked together since two years ago... "confident about commercialization" On the 28th in Seoul, FutureLink signed a strategic agreement with Pony.ai to commercialize robotaxis in Korea. FutureLink will bring in 10 seventh-generation robotaxis built on BAIC vehicles and equipped with Pony.ai's Autonomous Driving technology, and complete certifications from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and others. At the same time, it plans to add 190 more and operate 200 robotaxis in areas including Seoul. Starting with designated pilot zones, it plans to expand across all of Seoul by 2028 and then to other cities. Pony.ai is a corporation competing with global Autonomous Driving corporations such as Google's Waymo, Tesla and Baidu. Its accumulated Autonomous Driving mileage exceeds 110 million km. It operates driverless robotaxis at commercial Level 4 (a stage that allows driving without driver intervention) in four cities including Beijing and Shanghai. Pony.ai plans to expand its robotaxi fleet to 4,000 by the end of the year, focusing on Europe and the Middle East. The seventh-generation robotaxi chosen by FutureLink from Pony.ai is based on a platform BAIC designed on the premise of Autonomous Driving. Unlike other robotaxis that modify stock vehicles, redundant architectures for key systems such as braking, steering and power are applied from mass production. A feature is that if a specific sensor fails during driverless operation, the vehicle can use other sensors to come to a stop. Pony.ai said it cut component costs by 70% from the previous generation. Pony.ai said this gives it a price advantage
Aug 30, 2026 · via biz.chosun.com
Traffic, crime, fine dust top Seoul residents' smart city concerns: poll Seoul citizens named traffic congestion, nighttime crime and fine dust as the areas most in need of smart city solutions, a poll showed Sunday. The Korean megalopolis surveyed 8,531 Seoul residents online and offline from Feb. 10-21 last year as part of efforts to map out a smart city plan. Traffic, safety and the environment emerged as the three areas most in need of attention, cited by 37.5 percent, 21.2 percent and 16.2 percent of the respondents, respectively, according to the poll. When asked which areas most needed a smart city push specifically, the respondents again put traffic first at 30.1 percent, followed by safety at 27.5 percent and the environment at 18.8 percent. Within the traffic category, congestion was the top concern at 34.2 percent, followed by insufficient infrastructure at 18.5 percent and parking difficulties at 17 percent. In the safety category, nighttime crime topped the list at 22.5 percent, followed by sexual crime at 16.7 percent and concerns over school children's safety at 10.5 percent. In the environment sector, fine dust was seen as the most pressing issue at 29.2 percent, followed by general air pollution at 26.7 percent and water pollution at 11.2 percent. Based on the poll, the metropolitan government has set up a road map running through 2030, aimed at enhancing the city's competitiveness and improving the people's quality of life. The plan calls for easing rush-hour congestion, expanding support for the underprivileged, strengthening measures against climate change and positioning Seoul as an innovation hub. Planned smart city services include artificial intelligence-powered closed circuit security cameras, air-purifying drones, cleaning robots along the Han River and autonomous vehicle infrastructure.
Aug 30, 2026 · via koreatimes.co.kr
The benchmark S&P 500 (^GSPC -0.25%) is hovering near a record high, but the risk of a sell-off might be rising due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the stubbornly high inflation rate, and the growing chance of an interest rate hike before the end of 2026. The S&P 500 currently has a Shiller cyclically adjusted price-to-earnings (CAPE) ratio of 41.6, its highest valuation since the dot-com bubble in 2000. That makes the index especially vulnerable to downside, and if it were to enter a bear market by experiencing a 20% decline, many stocks with elevated valuations would likely also suffer sharp corrections. The S&P 500 last traded in bear territory during 2022 and 2023, which sent Tesla (TSLA -1.71%) stock plummeting by 75% to just $100. The electric vehicle (EV) giant recovered to set a new record high of $489 last year, but it's currently on the back foot once again. Here's why I predict it will fall below $100 if the S&P enters another bear market. Tesla stock is trading at a sky-high valuation Tesla used to be the undisputed global leader of the EV industry, but over the last couple of years, the company has struggled to compete with the onslaught of low-cost manufacturers from China. Brands like BYD, Geely, and Zeekr sell EVs at lower starting prices than Tesla in key markets like Europe, while offering comparable features. As a result, Tesla's EV sales declined in both 2024 and 2025. Fortunately, they are recovering in 2026, with the company's first-half deliveries growing by 16% year over year to 838,149 vehicles. However, that growth is relative to a horrible 2025, and it comes with a lower average selling price and a shrinking gross margin, suggesting Tesla is slashing prices for its EVs to attract
Aug 29, 2026 · via fool.com
Tesla continues turning its electric vehicles into connected productivity hubs on wheels. Following the recent debut of Grok Bot, Tesla appears to be preparing direct in-cabin integration for SpaceXAI’s new autonomous agent platform. The hint surfaced on X when one user asked whether drivers could soon manage their Grok Bot agents and check on background tasks directly from behind the wheel. Louise Giam (@LouiseGiam), a Grok Voice and Chat engineer at SpaceXAI, responded directly with a (since deleted) teaser: “Stay tuned.” From In-Car Voice Assistant to Autonomous AI Coworker Grok originally made its automotive debut on Tesla vehicles in the U.S. last year with software update 2025.26. The chatbot quickly expanded across North America, Europe, and Asia in the months that followed. Since then, Tesla has systematically added new Grok features and given the chatbot greater cabin access, including support for natural language navigation commands and location-based reminders. The recent Summer 2026 feature drop integrated Grok even deeper into Tesla’s ecosystem, allowing the chatbot to control core vehicle functions like climate and even switch toggles in the vehicle’s Settings menu in response to natural language prompts. And all of that’s just the beginning, with Elon Musk previously confirming that drivers will eventually be able to control FSD with Grok voice prompts. Grok Bot, however, expands these capabilities far outside the car. Launched in early beta earlier this month, Grok Bot operates as an always-on AI agent running on a dedicated cloud virtual machine. Unlike a standard chatbot that simply answers prompts, it can execute complex, multi-step workflows across external websites and apps like a human coworker. Grok Bot and its capabilities are set to grow even faster following SpaceX’s $60 billion acquisition of Cursor to strengthen agent coding infrastructure. Managing Workflows During Daily Commutes Bringing Grok Bot into the vehicle
Aug 29, 2026 · via notateslaapp.com