A budget-friendly Toyota Corolla in the US offering standard, zero-cost advanced driver-assistance systems could reshape global expectations by undercutting automakers that rely on paid software subscriptions. The move intensifies pressure on manufacturers... The article requires paid subscription. Subscribe Now
Automotive technology is evolving at a blindingly rapid pace, and right now, we’re witnessing something of an arms race to see who will be the first to wrest the steering wheel and pedals away from the “drivers” of tomorrow. One way we know: Several of our latest test drives have in fact been ride-alongs in vehicles that were basically driving themselves. Our most recent example was a drive, er, ride, we took through the busy streets of Tokyo in a Nissan Ariya prototype using a version of the Japanese automaker’s next-generation ProPilot advanced driver assistance system. The Ariya development prototype we rode in had a lidar system installed on the roof, along with 11 cameras, five radar systems, multiple sensors, and sophisticated software. It’s deemed a Level 2++ system for its consumer vehicles, which means it can accelerate, brake, and steer on its own, but it still requires a person behind the wheel who must watch the road and be prepared to hit a pedal and grab the wheel. Above Level 2 is only allowed for testing currently in Japan and there must be a safety driver on board. But according to Nissan engineers, this particular car’s hardware and software make it Level 4 capable, which is the level at which its planned fleet of robotaxis will need to function. The ProPilot Level 2++ technology is advanced enough that it can conduct a point-to-point trip with no input beyond setting the destination in the navigation system. The car takes it from there. Personal Vehicles and Robotaxis Getting the Tech Nissan is developing its autonomous tech in parallel for its consumer vehicles as well as the robotaxis it plans to launch. In some markets Nissan will supply vehicles to robotaxi operators, in others, it can provide end-to-end service, according to Richard
Nissan Pro Pilot self-driving tech: driven by the autonomous car that’s ‘better than a human’ Nissan vows to make AI-based cars part of our everyday lives – from 2027. Its engineer reckons it’s a better driver then he is This blind right turn across three lanes of Tokyo traffic would be nerve-wracking for a human driver: our view forward is obscured by a bus swinging across our path. Will Nissan’s AI-trained autonomous Ariya sit tight, or make a bolt for it? Head of automated driving tech, Tetsuya Iijima sits in the electric SUV’s driving seat, not that his hands have gone anywhere near the steering for the first five minutes of this trip. Indeed he’s looking straight at me over his left shoulder, explaining his passion project, while I distractedly gaze past him at the huge, white, battering ram we’re engaging in a stand-off with. The bus swings right, clears our path and reveals that oncoming traffic is scarce. Cue an invisible poltergeist turning the steering wheel and releasing the brake, with the Ariya gliding across the junction, onto a side street and into the next scenario. This third-generation Pro Pilot system is a collaboration with British tech start-up Wayve: it produces the AI-driving model trained on millions of hours of dashcam footage (hopefully excluding those crazy Russian dashcam compilations), while Nissan focuses on systems integration and software to make the EV steer, brake and accelerate. How does the Ariya see on Ginza’s streets? There are 11 cameras dotted around the car, with one behind the windscreen mirror providing the image for the digital driver’s display, annotated by a blue arrow showing our path through the urban jungle. The black carbuncle lashed on the roof houses four of them, but critically the supporting LiDAR too. This reflected light sensor acts
Autonomous A2G Signs Agreement with KGM and KGM Commercial for Autonomous Vehicle Development Joint Establishment of Vehicle Development and Component Supply Systems Autonomous A2G announced on April 20 that it has signed a business agreement with KG Mobility (KGM) and KGM Commercial to develop 'Level 4' autonomous driving vehicles and key components. On the 20th, Autonomous A2Z announced that it signed a business agreement with KG Mobility (KGM) and KGM Commercial to develop 'Level 4' autonomous driving vehicles and core components. KGM (from the left), KGMC, Ki-young Hwang of KGM, Autonomous A2Z, KGMC, Autonomous A2Z, Autonomous A2Z are posing for a commemorative photo. A2Z View original imageThe parties will collaborate on the following: ▲ Joint development of components for implementing Level 4 autonomous driving based on electric buses, ▲establishing a stable supply system for Level 4 autonomous driving components, ▲advancing Level 4 autonomous driving technology, ▲obtaining performance certification for Level 4 autonomous vehicles, ▲and pursuing follow-up business opportunities and revenue generation based on certified performance. They plan to form a joint consultative body to specify development schedules, the scope of technological cooperation, and commercialization strategies, with a focus on achieving tangible results. Autonomous A2G will lead the development and integration of autonomous driving systems by leveraging its expertise in Level 4 autonomous driving software, vehicle control and operation technologies, and the largest urban demonstration data in Korea. The company plans to actively apply its technology to the vehicle platforms developed by the three partners, enhancing stability and completeness in real-world driving environments. KGM will be responsible for vehicle design and production technologies based on its capabilities in SUV and electric vehicle development, providing the foundational platform for mass production of autonomous vehicles. KGMC, utilizing its accumulated experience in commercial vehicles and electric buses, will develop the autonomous bus platform and
BYD Auto World's leading EV maker According to a Reuters report, Tesla is working on a completely new, smaller, and more affordable electric SUV. The information comes from unnamed sources who have discussed the matter with the outlet. The sources indicate that the company has been in contact with suppliers about the compact SUV, which is described as an all-new model rather than a version of the existing Model Y. It remains unclear whether this potential vehicle represents a strategic shift back to the company's core automotive business or is intended to align its lineup with future ambitions for autonomous vehicles. Three individuals speaking to Reuters claimed the new SUV would be manufactured in China. This is notable because Tesla vehicles frequently rank highly on an index measuring American manufacturing content, having occupied the top four positions the previous year. The report notes that Tesla has previously canceled projects, and there is no certainty the vehicle will reach production. The company did not provide comment to Reuters on the matter. The sources suggested the design could be adapted for both human drivers and a potential future driverless function. Interactive table based on the Store Companies dataset for this report. | # | Company | Headquarters | Focus | Scale | Note | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | 1 | BYD Auto | Shenzhen, Guangdong | EVs, PHEVs, passenger cars | Very large | World's leading EV maker | | 2 | SAIC Motor | Shanghai | Passenger & commercial vehicles | Very large | State-owned, partners with VW & GM | | 3 | Geely Auto | Hangzhou, Zhejiang | Passenger cars, EVs | Very large | Owns Volvo Cars, Zeekr, Lotus | | 4 | Changan Automobile | Chongqing | Passenger & commercial vehicles | Very large | State-owned, major OEM |
In autonomous and self-driving vehicle news are Waymo, Lucid Group, PIF, Uber, Nuro, Illinois Teamsters, Massimo Group, AIBO Robotics, GAC Aion, WeRide, Qualcomm, NVIDIA and District Department of Transportation. In this Article Waymo Scales Public Autonomous Ride-Hailing Operations In Miami And Orlando Waymo has transitioned its autonomous ride-hailing services in Miami and Orlando to full public access, eliminating previous waitlist restrictions. The expansion integrates the Waymo Driver into dense urban corridors and residential zones, connecting regional hubs including Parramore and Miami Beach. Simultaneously, the company is deploying highway-capable L4 autonomous operations in the Miami market, matching the operational design domains currently active in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles to reduce transit times across arterial routes. The deployment utilizes a generalizable AI stack engineered to manage diverse meteorological conditions, such as tropical downpours, while maintaining a safety profile reported to involve 92 percent fewer serious or fatal crashes than human operators. Development involves extensive regional validation and collaboration with local safety partners. This commercial scaling in Florida signifies the company’s continued transition toward broad-market autonomous mobility through refined hardware-software integration and proven real-world performance metrics. Lucid Expands Uber Robotaxi Partnership Via PIF Funding Lucid Group has announced a $550 million investment from Ayar Third Investment Company, a PIF affiliate, alongside a $200 million commitment from Uber. The funding strengthens Lucid’s capital position as it scales its software-defined vehicle (SDV) architecture and enterprise platform. Uber has expanded its purchase commitment to 35,000 units, integrating the Lucid Gravity and the forthcoming Midsize platform into its global robotaxi fleet. The agreement builds on the 2025 tripartite collaboration between Lucid, Uber, and Nuro, with a commercial robotaxi launch scheduled for late 2026 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Lucid’s Midsize platform, featuring a projected sub-$50,000 price point and high-efficiency battery technology, is positioned to
"Retrofitting existing vehicles has limitations for true Level 4 autonomous driving. We build everything from the solution to the vehicle itself." That is how Yoo Byung-yong, vice president of Autonomous A2Z, described the company's approach to autonomy. The South Korean autonomous driving firm's name reflects its ambition to cover the full stack of autonomy — from A to Z. Founded in 2018, the company has focused on deploying and refining autonomous services in environments with clear mobility demand, such as public transportation, smart cities and large industrial sites. It has accumulated operational experience with 82 vehicles, primarily autonomous buses and shuttles, and logged about 970,000 kilometers of cumulative urban driving in Korea. A key differentiator is that Autonomous A2Z does not remain a software-only company but also develops its own vehicle platform. Yoo said modifying existing vehicles imposes limitations on sensor placement and control architecture. As a result, the company began designing and manufacturing its own purpose-built autonomous vehicle, ROii, about three years ago. ROii is described as a fully unmanned mobility platform developed domestically from design to manufacturing. It is a mid-sized shuttle capable of carrying up to 11 passengers and is engineered from the outset for autonomous driving software. The company's technical direction is also clear. It adopts a multi-sensor fusion approach combining lidar, radar and cameras, and highlights its vector-based high-definition mapping as a core strength. Compared with conventional point-cloud maps, this method is more efficient in terms of construction, storage and utilization. Yoo noted that because the domestic fully autonomous driving market has yet to fully open, a large portion of current revenue comes from government-led projects. He added that future demand is expected to expand into B2B sectors such as defense, steel and logistics factories. On April 13, Autonomous A2Z signed a memorandum of understanding
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The post Uber Autonomous Vehicle Strategy: The $10 Billion Gamble Transforming Transportation appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Uber Autonomous Vehicle StrategyThe post Uber Autonomous Vehicle Strategy: The $10 Billion Gamble Transforming Transportation appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Uber Autonomous Vehicle Strategy Uber Autonomous Vehicle Strategy: The $10 Billion Gamble Transforming Transportation Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this site are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes on third-party rights, please contact crypto.news@mexc.com for removal. MEXC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.
Robotaxis Are Ready; New York City Isnât The author, who saw the rise of driverless cars firsthand in Fog City, San Francisco, says not so fast, Big Apple. During my last two years of high school in San Francisco, driverless carsâor ârobotaxis,â or autonomous vehicles, call them what you willâwerenât the future. They were a joke. Waymo cars circled blocks aimlessly, teenagers jumped in front of them just to see what would happen, and every now and then one would end up awkwardly nudging onto a sidewalk. It didnât feel revolutionary. It felt like a glitch, an experiment that had escaped the lab too early. No one I knew took them seriously, let alone imagined they would ever function in the real world. Then I left for college in New York City. When I came back to San Francisco for Thanksgiving break, something had shifted. The same cars that once felt like a joke had quietly become normal. I realized this just after midnight, when my 14-year-old sister walked in after me from a party. I asked how she got home, whether a friend dropped her off, or if she took the bus. When she said neither, I warned her about taking Ubers alone that late. âHuh?â she said. âCars donât, like, have drivers anymore.â And then she went to bed. The next day, I decided to try one myself. Using her app, I ordered a ride, half expecting something to go wrong. When the car showed up, it didnât feel broken anymore. It felt deliberate, almost like it had something to prove. I sat in the front seat as the steering wheel turned on its own, casually, confidently. I kept glancing beside me, instinctively expecting a person to be there. There wasnât. The ride was smooth, but unsettling. The
Tesla, Inc. stock (US88160R1014): Is autonomous driving execution now the real test? 19.04.2026 - 21:06:56 | ad-hoc-news.deTesla's shift toward software-driven autonomy could redefine its valuation, but execution risks in a competitive EV landscape leave investors questioning the timeline. For you as a U.S. investor or reader in English-speaking markets worldwide, the core bet is whether Tesla can turn its AI and data advantages into sustainable revenue streams beyond vehicle sales. This report examines the business model, market position, and open questions that matter most right now. Updated: 19.04.2026 By Elena Vasquez, Senior Markets Editor – Tesla's blend of hardware innovation and software scalability sets it apart, but delivery on promises remains key for long-term holders. Tesla's Core Business Model: Vehicles, Energy, and Emerging Autonomy Official source All current information about Tesla, Inc. from the company’s official website. Visit official websiteTesla operates a vertically integrated model centered on electric vehicles, energy storage, and software services, giving you exposure to multiple growth vectors in the clean energy transition. The company designs, manufactures, and sells EVs like the Model 3, Model Y, Cybertruck, and Semi, while expanding into energy products such as Powerwall batteries and Megapack grid-scale storage. This diversification reduces reliance on any single revenue stream, appealing to investors seeking resilience in volatile auto markets. Software layers like Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability and over-the-air updates create high-margin recurring revenue, potentially transforming one-time car sales into lifetime customer value. You benefit from Tesla's direct-to-consumer sales approach, which cuts dealership costs and builds brand loyalty through a premium user experience. As global electrification accelerates, Tesla's scale in battery production and supply chain control positions it to capture market share efficiently. Energy deployment has grown steadily, with Megapack installations supporting utility-scale projects worldwide, including in the U.S. where grid reliability demands are rising. For you,
Wayve announced a $60 million investment from AMD, Arm, and Qualcomm Ventures, extending its Series D round and strengthening its position in embodied AI for autonomous driving. The new funding builds on Wayve’s $1.2 billion Series D and brings additional backing from leading technology companies across the automotive compute stack, supporting the company’s efforts to deploy its AI Driver technology globally. Wayve is developing end-to-end embodied AI software that enables point-to-point navigation across different environments and vehicle platforms, spanning advanced driver assistance systems and higher levels of autonomous driving. Unlike traditional systems that rely on high-definition maps or are tied to specific hardware, Wayve’s AI Driver is designed to operate across a wide range of vehicles and compute architectures. The investment is aimed at accelerating integration of the AI Driver across automotive compute platforms, reducing complexity for automakers and fleet operators while speeding time to market. The expanded investor base reflects closer collaboration between software and hardware providers to enable scalable deployment of AI-driven vehicles. Wayve has already established partnerships across the ecosystem, including collaborations with NVIDIA for AI training and vehicle platforms, as well as Qualcomm Technologies to deliver pre-integrated solutions on the Snapdragon Ride platform. The company’s approach focuses on building adaptable AI systems capable of sensing, decision-making, and acting in real time, supporting the transition toward production-scale deployment of autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles. As the automotive industry shifts toward AI-defined vehicles, Wayve is positioning its platform as a flexible, hardware-agnostic solution that can operate across both existing vehicle architectures and next-generation systems. KEY QUOTES “For embodied AI to scale, automakers need design choice and supply chain flexibility. We’re building an AI Driver that works across the full automotive compute ecosystem, from architectures already used in millions of vehicles today to the platforms powering the next generation of
Tesla, Inc. stock (US88160R1014): Is autonomous driving execution now the real test? 19.04.2026 - 04:23:53 | ad-hoc-news.deTesla, Inc. stock (US88160R1014) stands at a pivotal moment where its leadership in electric vehicles and autonomous technology could redefine mobility for investors like you. The company's focus on scaling production, advancing AI software, and expanding energy solutions positions it as a high-growth play in a transitioning auto industry. You face the question of whether Tesla's ambitious roadmap delivers consistent returns or introduces volatility tied to execution risks. Updated: 19.04.2026 By Rebecca Langford, Senior Auto Markets Editor – Tesla's blend of hardware innovation and software dominance makes it a unique bet on the future of transportation for U.S. portfolios. Tesla's Core Business Model Tesla operates a vertically integrated model that controls design, manufacturing, software, and sales of electric vehicles, energy storage, and solar products. This approach allows the company to innovate rapidly without traditional supplier dependencies, giving you direct exposure to efficiencies in battery production and over-the-air updates. Unlike legacy automakers reliant on dealer networks, Tesla's direct-to-consumer sales build strong customer data loops for continuous improvement. The model emphasizes high-margin software and services, such as Full Self-Driving (FSD) subscriptions and premium connectivity, which boost recurring revenue. You benefit from this as vehicle sales margins have historically supported aggressive R&D spending on next-generation platforms. Energy generation and storage, including Powerwall and Megapack, diversify beyond autos, tapping into grid-scale demand. Manufacturing hubs like Gigafactory Texas and Shanghai enable global scale, with vertical integration in cells and chips reducing costs over time. For investors in the United States, this structure means Tesla captures value from domestic incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act while expanding internationally. Official source All current information about Tesla, Inc. from the company’s official website. Visit official websiteProducts, Markets, and Industry Drivers Tesla's vehicle
Tesla announced today that its “Robotaxi” service is now rolling out in Dallas and Houston, marking the company’s first expansion beyond Austin and San Francisco. The company shared maps of the two new service areas, which appear to cover small slices of each city. The Houston geofence covers approximately 25 square miles, according to early user analysis of the maps, while the Dallas zone appears to center around the Highland Park area. For context, Tesla’s Austin geofence has grown to roughly 245 square miles after months of gradual expansion — but that took nearly a year to reach from an initial 20-square-mile footprint. Tesla’s official @robotaxi account on X posted the announcement with two map images showing the service boundaries, but provided no details on fleet size, whether rides will be supervised or unsupervised, or pricing. The post simply read: “Robotaxi now rolling out in Dallas & Houston.” What we know — and what’s missing The announcement is notably thin on specifics. Tesla did not disclose how many vehicles will operate in each city, whether those vehicles will have safety monitors inside (as the vast majority of its Austin fleet still does), or when the geofences might expand. As we reported in March, Tesla’s Austin operation still relies on only a handful of unsupervised vehicles — somewhere between 4 and 12 Model Ys operating without a human safety monitor — out of a total fleet of roughly 80 vehicles, though most of those are not operating at the same time. The remaining cars still carry safety monitors in the driver’s seat, and all vehicles are remotely supervised by Tesla staff. The company’s track record on “Robotaxi” promises provides reason for skepticism. Elon Musk predicted 1 million robotaxis on the road by 2020. He promised 500 vehicles in Austin and over
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General Motors Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Buick According to a report from Yahoo Finance, Tesla continues to generate the vast majority of its business from automotive products, a situation that has persisted for a decade. Despite the company's frequent focus on future technologies, its core financial performance is currently tied to vehicle sales. Data from the last twelve months shows a decline in automotive deliveries compared to the previous year, extending a period of stagnation beyond two years. This drop, coupled with reduced selling prices, led to a decrease in automotive revenue from its prior level to a lower figure in 2025. Innovation in the automotive line has been limited since the introduction of the Model 3 and Model Y. The Cybertruck, intended as a major new product, has seen weak customer interest and is believed to be unprofitable. While management has mentioned developing new vehicles or updates, only niche products like the Cybertruck and Semi have been released to date. The company's energy generation and storage business has expanded, driven by demand for battery storage, though its annual revenue remains a fraction of the automotive segment and operates on thin margins. Development of autonomous vehicle technology continues, but its deployment is currently restricted to a single location. In a characteristic shift, Tesla is now emphasizing newer projects to maintain investor optimism. These include the Optimus humanoid robot and the TerraFab semiconductor manufacturing initiative. The TerraFab project involves a collaboration with several other companies to produce chips in the United States, primarily for artificial intelligence applications. The Optimus robots are planned to utilize these chips, with an ambitious long-term production goal. Interactive table based on the Store Companies dataset for this report. | # | Company | Headquarters | Focus | Scale | Note | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | 1 | General Motors
Tesla started on Saturday offering unsupervised rides on its Robotaxi service in Dallas and Houston, marking the first expansion of the autonomous ride-hailing programme beyond Austin and the San Francisco Bay Area. The launch comes four days before the company is scheduled to report first-quarter 2026 earnings on April 22. “Robotaxi now rolling out in Dallas & Houston,” Tesla‘s official ‘robotaxi’ account posted on Saturday, alongside two map images showing the service areas. The company did not disclose fleet size, pricing, or whether the vehicles would carry human safety monitors. However, minutes after the announcement, the account wrote in a new post, “All by myself.” CEO Elon Musk commented on the announcement, writing: “Try Tesla Robotaxi in Dallas & Houston!” Delivering on a January Commitment The two launches fulfil part of a seven-city expansion plan Tesla outlined in its Q4 2025 shareholder update deck, published on January 28, 2026 alongside the company’s fourth-quarter earnings. That document committed Tesla to launching Robotaxi in Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Miami, Orlando, Tampa and Las Vegas within the first half of 2026 — a timeline CEO Elon Musk called aggressive on the earnings call that followed. Dallas, Houston, Phoenix and Las Vegas had been named as expansion targets as early as late 2025, with Tampa, Orlando and Miami added in the Q4 2025 deck. The same document classified the Bay Area operation as “Safety Driver” and Austin as “Ramping Unsupervised.” The launch of Dallas and Houston four days before Q1 2026 earnings gives Musk a concrete expansion datapoint to cite during Wednesday’s earnings call and Q&A, when Wall Street is expected to press for specifics on fleet size, supervision status, and the timeline for the remaining five promised cities. Geofenced areas The Houston geofence covers approximately 25 square miles and is centered on the Jersey
Stopping driver shortage: Moia demands billions for autonomous shuttle fleets VW subsidiary Moia wants to save public transport with autonomous shuttles and demands state funding. The group is also considering bringing in investors. Public transport in Germany is heading for personnel problems. By 2030, estimates suggest that up to 120,000 bus drivers could be missing. According to industry experts, this demographic change is the real driving force behind the technological transformation towards robo-buses, going beyond mere promises of efficiency. Sascha Meyer, CEO of Volkswagen subsidiary Moia, therefore sees autonomous shuttles not just as a technical gimmick. For him, they are the only way to maintain the mobility level in German cities in the face of dwindling personnel. Meyer outlined a roadmap for market ramp-up in a podcast by Table.Today published on Saturday. However, this requires extensive financial participation from the state. The company strategist proposes the establishment of three model regions, each deploying around 2000 autonomous vehicles. To achieve this goal, he estimates state support of approximately 500 million euros per region. So, it's about a lot of money: According to Meyer, the total development costs for the technology are in the billions. The Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) has already signaled interest. However, it is tempering expectations of large cash injections and points to the current lack of funds for a project of this magnitude. Videos by heise The call for state support underscores the investment pressure in an industry suffering from high operating costs. In Hamburg, for example, the IG Metall union is currently demanding a 20 percent wage increase for the drivers of the still manually operated shuttles. This cost pressure has already forced Moia to curtail its own offerings. From ride-sharing to technology provider To become profitable, the provider is fundamentally restructuring its business model, according
DDOT Releases Report on Autonomous Vehicle Policy  Today, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) released a report reviewing how automated vehicles (AV) are regulated across the United States. The report is meant to inform ongoing decision-making on how the District can regulate AVs, but does not make specific policy recommendations. DDOT will be issuing a report this summer on AV deployment legislative and implementation considerations. The DDOT report summarizes current AV technology, existing research, and different AV regulatory policy approaches being used by cities and states. It also includes insights from interviews with industry and safety experts and government agencies to better understand emerging practices and concerns. âAV technology is evolving rapidly and jurisdictions nationwide are figuring out how to prepare for its impacts, including potential displacement of workers and loss of revenue,â said DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum. âThis report provides a comprehensive overview of the regulatory landscape and will help guide discussions in the District, with safety, transparency, and residentsâ needs at the forefront.â The report highlights several critical factors for the safe rollout of AVs, including coordination across all levels of government, robust safety oversight, transparent data practices, community engagement, and planning for accessibility, workforce, and infrastructure readiness. As interest in AV testing and deployment grows, this report will serve as a resource for the District and support upcoming conversations about potential regulatory frameworks which, in addition to transportation issues, also involve the displacement of workers and income streams. To read the full report, please visit: Research Report on the State of AV Policy Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you
Driverless pods carrying people along the Rail Trail between downtown Kelowna and the airport. Solar panels on the roofs of 45,000 Kelowna buildings. Wildfire surveillance cameras powered by AI that keep an eye on forests around the city. These are some of the ideas explored through a $2 million, nine-year taxpayer-funded research partnership undertaken between the City of Kelowna and UBC Okanagan. “The alliance aims to advance city priorities through applied research and innovation and is supported by dedicated staff from both organizations,” reads a report on the partnership going Monday to city council. “It operates as a cross-disciplinary platform that fosters collaboration, knowledge exchange, and engagement with external partners to broaden impact,” the report states. Five research projects have been commissioned since 2021, when the partnership was created, and four more will be undertaken in the next four years. One of the study projects is a $305,000 examination of the feasibility of developing an ‘autonomous transit system’ that would run along the Rail Trail corridor from downtown Kelowna out to UBC Okanagan and the airport. Though the report doesn’t actually explain what such a system is, information easily available on the internet says an ATS is a public transportation system that uses driverless vehicles, such as shuttles, buses, or pods, guided by AI, sensors, and cameras, to transport passengers. The systems are electric-powered, and promoters say the little vehicles would be cheaper than buses to operate because drivers aren’t required. Such transit systems are being tested in a few places, such as Minnesota and France. Transdev, a French firm that builds and operates transit systems, says its “I-Crystal electric autonomous shuttle is designed for the shared mobility of the future”. Each vehicle carries less than 20 people and has a maximum speed of 50 km/h. A one-mile long Transdev