Uber and Waymo Launch Atlanta Robotaxi Service

April 15, 2025, 7:20 am

Two reports describe the collaborative rollout of a robotaxi service in Atlanta by Uber and Waymo. The new service promises to deliver cutting‑edge autonomous ride‑hailing solutions and marks a significant step in the evolution of urban transportation. Preparations include opening waitlists and testing operations for a summer launch, offering users a glimpse into the future of affordable, technology‑driven mobility. Both stories emphasize the anticipated impact of autonomous vehicles on everyday commuting in Atlanta.

cnet.com / Uber Opens Up Its Robotaxi Waitlist in Atlanta

cnet.com / LG C5 OLED TV Review: Great Picture; Now Wait for the Price Drop

techcrunch.com / Waymo and Uber prepare to launch robotaxi service in Atlanta this summer

3 stories from 2 sources in 20 hours ago ... #automation #selfdriving #robotaxis #ai #hardware +

Waymo Officially Launches New Tokyo Robotaxi Service and International Testing

April 9, 2025, 11:20 pm

Waymo is expanding its global autonomous vehicle program with two related initiatives in Japan. In Tokyo, the robotaxi service has begun operation, offering a preview of its driverless technology in a bustling urban environment. Additionally, Waymo’s autonomous vehicles are set to start public road testing, marking the company’s first international trial of its advanced driver technology. These efforts aim to validate safety protocols, refine operational capabilities, and gather real-world data to enhance its self-driving network. This expansion represents a significant milestone in Waymo’s strategy to extend its presence beyond the United States.

cnet.com / Waymo's Driverless Vehicles Are Hitting Tokyo Streets. Here's Everything to Know About the Robotaxi Service

theverge.com / Waymo readies autonomous cars for first international tests in Japan

2 stories from 2 sources in 6 days ago ... #ai #robotics #automation #google #selfdriving +

Zoox expands autonomous vehicle testing in Los Angeles streets

April 8, 2025, 11:20 am

Two stories report that Amazon’s autonomous driving subsidiary Zoox is accelerating its driverless vehicle trials on Los Angeles streets. The articles detail how the company is rolling out retrofitted autonomous vehicles in a live urban environment to collect valuable data ahead of a broader public rollout. This testing phase emphasizes Zoox’s commitment to overcoming real-world challenges, refining its safety protocols and operational systems in a city chosen for its diverse traffic conditions and regulatory framework.

cnet.com / Zoox Is Bringing Its Driverless Test Fleet to Los Angeles

techcrunch.com / Amazon’s Zoox begins robotaxi testing in Los Angeles 

2 stories from 2 sources in 7 days ago ... #startups #robotics #automation #selfdriving #robotaxis +

Waymo Policy Debate Over Interior Camera Data Use for Ads

April 7, 2025, 4:20 pm

Two reports on Waymo’s internal data strategy reveal conflicting signals over the use of in-car camera footage. One story states that Waymo has no plans to use its robotaxi camera data for targeted advertising, emphasizing privacy and limited data use. A separate report, however, cites a draft privacy policy suggesting the possibility of leveraging interior video to train generative AI models and deliver personalized ads. Both narratives spotlight the company’s challenge in reconciling advanced AI ambitions with user privacy concerns and regulatory scrutiny.

gizmodo.com / Waymo Considering Using In-Vehicle Cameras to Sell Ads and Train Its AI

theverge.com / Waymo: ‘no plans’ to use in-car camera data for targeted ads

techcrunch.com / Waymo may use interior camera data to train generative AI models, sell ads

3 stories from 3 sources in 8 days ago ... #ai #ml #dataprivacy #google #selfdriving +

China Launches eVTOL Drone Taxis Marking a New Aviation Era

April 2, 2025, 10:32 pm

EHang and Hefei Hey Airlines received certification in China to launch autonomous eVTOL drone taxis for commercial use, leading to progress in human-carrying drone technology. This development sees China take the lead in the low-altitude flight industry as the US grapples with bureaucratic hurdles under the Biden administration, impacting drone innovation in America.

cnbc.com / Xiaomi delivers record cars in March as winners emerge in China's EV race

zerohedge.com / Flying Taxis Officially Lift Off - But Only In China, Thank Biden's FAA

2 stories from 2 sources in 13 days ago ... #robotics #automation #innovation #techpolicy #china +

Waymo launches robotaxi service in Washington DC

March 25, 2025, 6:20 am

Waymo is set to debut its autonomous ridehailing service in Washington DC by 2026, pending regulatory changes to allow driverless operation

cnet.com / Waymo Expands Driverless Rides to Washington, DC. Where Else to Hail a Robotaxi

cnet.com / Waymo Expands Driverless Rides to Washington, DC. Plus, Where You Can Hail a Robotaxi Right Now

techcrunch.com / Waymo to launch robotaxi service in Washington D.C. in 2026

4 stories from 3 sources in 21 days ago ... #techpolicy #google #selfdriving #robotaxis #robotics +

BYD Fast Charging Breakthrough

March 24, 2025, 7:46 am

Coverage of BYD’s breakthrough in ultra-fast EV charging—from plans to reduce charging times to a breakthrough highlighted in a broader mobility roundup

wired.com / BYD's 5-Minute EV Charging Sounds Great. But How Useful Is it?

techcrunch.com / How BYD plans to make EV charging as fast as filling a gas tank

techcrunch.com / TechCrunch Mobility: Inside Waymo’s deal with SFO, Elon’s moment of truth, and BYD’s breakthrough

3 stories from 2 sources in 22 days ago ... #climate #innovation #china #selfdriving #robotaxis +