Kodiak pilots driverless trucks on I-70 in Ohio and Indiana
Kodiak AI has completed a driverless trucking programme on Interstate 70, partnering with DriveOhio and Ohio and Indiana transport departments, and has demonstrated Level 4 capabilities on northern freight corridors through real-world scenarios and stakeholder briefings.
Apollo Go robotaxis stalled in Wuhan
Multiple Apollo Go robotaxis have stalled in Wuhan, local traffic police have said, and preliminary investigations have attributed the incidents to system malfunctions while authorities and Apollo Go staff have been managing the response and investigations have been opened.
Vodafone upgrades German last-mile network with Aurora
Aurora Networks has upgraded Vodafone’s German broadband access with Remote PHY, Distributed Access Architecture and virtual CMTS, and has enabled centralised management, automated provisioning and multigigabit-capable last-mile connectivity to improve throughput, latency and operational flexibility.
Zoox to deploy robotaxis in Austin and Miami later this year
Zoox has prepared to deploy robotaxis to limited public users in Austin and Miami later this year and has expanded services in San Francisco and Las Vegas while it has awaited regulatory approval to begin a paid service.
QCraft raises $100m to advance autonomous driving
QCraft has secured $100 million in a Series D round, has committed funds to world models, reinforcement learning and L4 autonomous systems, and has planned expansion to 50+ additional vehicle models and pilot programmes in logistics and robotaxis.
Uber to invest $1.25bn in Rivian for robotaxi fleet
Uber has announced a phased investment of up to $1.25bn in Rivian to deploy autonomous R2 SUVs as robotaxis, beginning with 10,000 vehicles in 2028 and options to scale to 50,000 by 2031.
Pony.ai, Chenqi deploy 100+ Gen-7 robotaxis in China
Pony.ai and Chenqi Mobility have launched over 100 Gen-7 robotaxis in China, have adopted a technology-licensing model, and have assigned Chenqi responsibility for fleet ownership, operations and safety to scale commercial robotaxi services.
NVIDIA and Uber deepen robotaxi partnership globally
NVIDIA and Uber have announced an expanded collaboration to deploy NVIDIA's DRIVE platform and AI stack within Uber's ride-hailing network and have committed to accelerate Level 4 robotaxi commercialisation across multiple international markets.
Nvidia expands Drive Hyperion deals with automakers
Nvidia has expanded Drive Hyperion agreements to Hyundai, Nissan, Isuzu, BYD and Geely to support development and deployment of Level 4 autonomous driving technology while maintaining its data-centre training and in-vehicle computing services.
Zoox and Uber to offer robotaxi rides via Uber app
Amazon's Zoox has partnered with Uber to list robotaxi rides on the Uber app in Las Vegas this summer and in Los Angeles next year, has continued its own app operations, and has sought regulatory exemptions for commercial deployment.
Zoox expands robotaxi testing to Phoenix and Dallas
Zoox has expanded testing of its autonomous vehicles to Phoenix and Dallas, deploying retrofitted SUVs to map routes before introducing its robotaxi fleet and has opened a fusion centre in Scottsdale to support US operations.
WeRide and Geely to deliver 2,000 robotaxis in 2026
WeRide and Geely have agreed to deliver 2,000 GXR robotaxis in 2026. WeRide has reported its global robotaxi fleet has reached 1,023 vehicles and has projected the fleet to exceed 2,600 this year.
ZTE launches AIR MAX AI-native mobile network solution
ZTE has introduced AIR MAX, an AI-native mobile network platform that has combined heterogeneous computing, embedded AI radio, autonomous operations and monetisation engines to increase efficiency, reduce energy and labour costs, and support operators' transition into AI service providers.
Einride raises $113m in PIPE ahead of SPAC merger
Einride has raised $113m in an oversubscribed PIPE to support a proposed merger with Legato Merger Corp. III, bringing committed investments to about $213m at a $1.35bn pre-money valuation and expected NYSE listing in H1 2026.
Waymo expands robotaxi service to four US cities
Waymo has opened its robotaxi service to selected passengers in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Orlando, has expanded operations to 10 US cities and has invited app users ahead of planned general availability by the end of 2026.
Telefónica advances AI automation and enterprise edge
Telefónica has reported advances in AI-driven network automation and has expanded enterprise edge compute in Spain, stating 12 level‑4 autonomous use cases, a joint AI innovation hub with Mavenir, and a plan to deploy 17 edge nodes by end‑2026.
Waymo pilots gig-worker door-closing service
Waymo has run a pilot in Atlanta compensating DoorDash and Honk drivers to close robotaxi doors left ajar, and has reported significant operating losses in its Other Bets segment.
Hyundai negotiating supply of 50,000 EVs to Waymo
Hyundai has been negotiating a multi‑year deal to supply up to 50,000 IONIQ 5 electric vehicles to Waymo, integrating Waymo’s autonomous stack and signalling a potential shift towards large‑scale production of robotaxis pending regulatory and technical approvals.
Toyota, Pony.ai start bZ4X robotaxi mass production
Toyota and Pony.ai have begun mass production of the bZ4X Robotaxi in Guangzhou, aiming to produce over 1,000 units in 2026 and to deploy them across major Chinese Tier‑1 cities, integrating Pony.ai’s Gen‑7 autonomy and Toyota’s production standards.
CaoCao plans 100,000 robotaxis by 2030
CaoCao has unveiled a strategy to deploy 100,000 purpose‑built robotaxis by 2030 and has outlined plans for AI fleet management, charging and battery‑swap infrastructure, and overseas expansion including a strategic memorandum in Abu Dhabi.
Waymo raises $16bn to fund global robotaxi expansion
Waymo has secured $16bn to scale robotaxi operations, has planned launches in over 20 cities including London and Tokyo, and has designated funds for vehicles, infrastructure and commercial rollout while encountering regulatory scrutiny.
Waymo raises US$16bn to expand global operations
Waymo has completed a US$16 billion financing round that has valued the company at about US$126 billion, and has said the funds have been earmarked to scale Waymo Driver deployments in additional US and international cities.
Tesla shifts investment to AI and robots with $20bn plan
Tesla has announced a $20 billion capex plan and has ended production of the Model S and Model X, signalling a strategic pivot towards AI, driverless services, humanoid robots and expanded chip and battery manufacturing capacity.
NHTSA opens probe after Waymo vehicle struck child
Waymo has reported that a driverless vehicle has struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica; the child has sustained minor injuries, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a preliminary investigation into vehicle behaviour.
Waabi raises $750m to expand into robotaxi market
Waabi has raised $750m in a Series C and has received a $250m commitment from Uber to deploy robotaxis exclusively; the Toronto startup has signalled a strategic expansion from autonomous trucks into light‑duty passenger services.
Waabi raises $750m Series C, secures $1bn funding
Toronto-based Waabi has closed a $750m Series C and secured milestone funding from Uber, bringing available capital to $1bn. The investment has been earmarked to advance its Physical AI Platform and support expansion from trucking into robotaxis.
Gatik begins fully driverless commercial trucking operations
Gatik has deployed fully driverless trucks in commercial operations at scale, has completed 60,000 driverless orders and has secured over $600 million in contracted revenue, operating across multiple US states with partners including Isuzu, NVIDIA and Ryder.
Cyngn receives notice of allowance for 24th US patent
Cyngn received a notice of allowance for its 24th US patent, strengthening its autonomous vehicle IP portfolio and supporting commercial deployment of DriveMod in industrial logistics, manufacturing and material handling.
Waymo launches robotaxi service in Miami
Waymo has launched its robotaxi service in Miami, its sixth US market, and has opened operations across a 60-square-mile area. It has reported nearly 10,000 sign-ups and has outlined further US and international expansion plans.
STEER Tech and KINEXON partner on industrial AV systems
STEER Tech and KINEXON will integrate RTLS with autonomy and fleet software to improve indoor localisation, fleet coordination, safety and scalability for industrial autonomous vehicles and robots.
Aurora, McLeod launch TMS link for driverless trucking
Aurora and McLeod have deployed an API-based TMS integration to enable carriers to tender, dispatch and track autonomous trucks within existing workflows; availability is immediate for eligible McLeod customers.
Pony.ai and BAIC BJEV deepen Robotaxi partnership
Pony.ai and BAIC BJEV expanded their partnership to co-design and produce Level 4 robotaxis, scale manufacturing and pursue international commercial deployment while optimising operations and costs.
Nvidia expected to challenge Tesla's FSD in several years
Musk said Nvidia's Alpamayo models could pressure Tesla's Full Self‑Driving in five to six years, noting long‑tail safety challenges and delayed manufacturer adoption.
Product liability risks in autonomous trucking
Autonomous trucking advances outpace legal frameworks, raising product liability exposure for manufacturers, software providers and fleets and risking substantial financial awards and litigation uncertainty across supply chains.
Seeing Machines forms Future Mobility Group
Seeing Machines established a Future Mobility Group to support OEMs and autonomous-vehicle programmes by integrating driver and occupant monitoring systems for scaled commercial deployment across robotaxi, logistics and remote-operation platforms.
IIIT-A develops semantic communication for vehicles
IIIT-A develops semantic communication to reduce sensor data bandwidth for autonomous vehicles, with IIIT Gwalior and Jabalpur; funded by a ₹1.46 crore grant and applicable to traffic control and 6G.
Kodiak AI and Bosch to scale autonomous truck platform
Kodiak AI has partnered with Bosch to scale manufacturing and integration of a safety-redundant autonomous truck platform, targeting commercial upfitter and factory installations and driverless highway operations by H2 2026.
Autonomous Trucking, EV Charging and Logistics News
Multiple developments across autonomous trucking, EV charging, logistics and fleet operations, including financing, partnerships, regulatory updates and infrastructure deployments affecting commercial transport and supply‑chain efficiency.
CiDi expands autonomous commercial deployments; Hong Kong IPO
CiDi is scaling autonomous vehicle deployments in closed environments, delivered 414 trucks with 647 indicative orders, pursuing international expansion and commenced Hong Kong IPO on 11 December 2025.
California advances draft rules for driverless heavy trucks
California's DMV advanced draft regulations propose phased permits for driverless heavy trucks, requiring 500,000 driverless and 1,000,000 cumulative miles before commercial deployment; testing permits may arrive by late 2026.
Trucking technology industry developments and partnerships
Compilation of recent trucking-technology developments: partnerships, funding, product launches, autonomous and electric vehicle deployments, infrastructure projects, regulatory issues and commercial milestones affecting fleet operators and suppliers.
Waymo deploys software update after San Francisco blackout
Waymo issued a software update after a San Francisco power outage left several driverless taxis stranded; the patch improves vehicle decision-making at unlit intersections and emergency coordination with city agencies.
Mercedes-Benz acquires 3% stake in Geely-backed Qianli
Mercedes-Benz acquired a 3% stake in Geely-backed Qianli after integrating its autonomous-driving business; Qianli will consolidate technology and management to pursue model‑centric systems, with no deployment timelines disclosed.
Tier IV to lead NEDO-backed autonomous driving dataset
Tier IV, supported by NEDO, will assemble large-scale real and synthetic multimodal sensor datasets and an AI data platform to support autonomous vehicle development and validation in Japan.
Uber and Lyft to trial Baidu robotaxis in London
Uber and Lyft will trial Baidu’s Apollo Go RT6 robotaxis in London in 2026, pending regulatory approval; pilots aim to gather safety and performance data under Automated Vehicles Act 2024.
Waymo robotaxis stalled in San Francisco blackout
A San Francisco power outage halted Waymo robotaxis at intersections, disrupting traffic; Waymo suspended service and is reviewing emergency protocols and software to address infrastructure and connectivity failures.
Waymo updates fleet, protocols after San Francisco blackout
Waymo will deploy fleet-wide navigation updates, revise emergency response protocols and enhance first-responder training after a San Francisco blackout disrupted driverless operations.
Waymo halts San Francisco robotaxi service after blackout
Waymo suspended driverless ride-hail operations in San Francisco after a widespread power outage; city services responded and restoration continued while Tesla said its supervised service was unaffected.