Waymo is shipping a software update to help its robotaxis navigate disabled traffic lights during power outages “more decisively,” the company said Tuesday in a blog post that explains why its self-driving vehicles got stuck at intersections during a blackout in San Francisco this past weekend. Waymo said the self-driving system in its robotaxis treats… Continue reading Waymo explains why its robotaxis got stuck during the SF blackout
Author: Tech Crunch Online News
Waymo is testing Gemini as an in-car AI assistant in its robotaxis
Waymo appears to be testing adding Google’s Gemini AI chatbot to its robotaxis in an effort to integrate an AI assistant that would accompany riders and answer their queries, according to findings by researcher Jane Manchun Wong. “While digging through Waymo’s mobile app code, I discovered the complete system prompt for its unreleased Gemini integration,”… Continue reading Waymo is testing Gemini as an in-car AI assistant in its robotaxis
Waymo is testing Gemini as an in-car AI assistant in its robotaxis
Waymo appears to be testing adding Google’s Gemini AI chatbot to its robotaxis in an effort to integrate an AI assistant that would accompany riders and answer their queries, according to findings by researcher Jane Manchun Wong. “While digging through Waymo’s mobile app code, I discovered the complete system prompt for its unreleased Gemini integration,”… Continue reading Waymo is testing Gemini as an in-car AI assistant in its robotaxis
Zoox issues software recall over lane crossings
Amazon-owned Zoox issued a recall Tuesday over concerns its autonomous driving system caused vehicles to cross over the center lane line near intersections or block crosswalks. The voluntary recall of its software affected 332 vehicles, according to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While there have not been any collisions associated… Continue reading Zoox issues software recall over lane crossings
Uber and Lyft to test Baidu robotaxis in London next year, joining Waymo
Uber and Lyft will start testing Baidu’s Apollo Go robotaxis in London in 2026, joining Waymo and local startup Wayve as companies that will have autonomous vehicles in the city next year. Lyft CEO David Risher said in a post on X and LinkedIn that Lyft will start testing once it receives local regulatory approval.… Continue reading Uber and Lyft to test Baidu robotaxis in London next year, joining Waymo
TechCrunch Mobility: Bankruptcy takes out two
Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility, your hub for all things “future of transportation.” To get this in your inbox, sign up here for free — just click TechCrunch Mobility! The year in transportation started with a couple of bankruptcies — Canoo and Nikola — and now it’s ending with two more. Rad Power Bikes is coming… Continue reading TechCrunch Mobility: Bankruptcy takes out two
Waymo suspends service in San Francisco as robotaxis stall during blackout
Waymo suspended its robotaxi service in San Francisco on Saturday evening after a massive blackout appeared to leave many of its vehicles stalled on city streets. Numerous photos and videos posted to social media captured Waymo robotaxis stalled at roads and intersections as human drivers either passed them by or were stuck behind them. Waymo… Continue reading Waymo suspends service in San Francisco as robotaxis stall during blackout
Tesla engaged in deceptive marketing for Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, judge rules
An administrative law judge has ruled that Tesla engaged in deceptive marketing that gave customers a false impression of the capabilities of its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving driver assistance software. This is a pivotal development in a years-long case initiated by California’s Department of Motor Vehicles. The judge agreed with the state DMV’s request to… Continue reading Tesla engaged in deceptive marketing for Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, judge rules
How Luminar’s doomed Volvo deal helped drag the company into bankruptcy
In early 2023, Luminar was riding high. After going public during the pandemic and scoring a key deal with Volvo, the company had added Mercedes-Benz and Polestar as customers of its “lifesaving” lidar sensors. Founder and CEO Austin Russell called it an “inflection point,” as Luminar prepped to have those sensors integrated into the first… Continue reading How Luminar’s doomed Volvo deal helped drag the company into bankruptcy
Lidar-maker Luminar files for bankruptcy
Lidar company Luminar has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after months of layoffs, executive departures, and a legal fight with its largest customer, Volvo. The company aims to sell off its lidar business during the bankruptcy proceeding, and has already reached a deal to sell its semiconductor subsidiary. While the company will continue to… Continue reading Lidar-maker Luminar files for bankruptcy