Firm specializing in micromobility, Also, which was formed within Rivian and subsequently became independent last year, intends to collaborate with DoorDash on the creation of self-driving delivery conveyances, as disclosed by the entities on Tuesday.
In conjunction with this arrangement, DoorDash participated in Also’s Series C funding round, valued at $200 million, a round spearheaded by existing backer Greenoaks Capital. Moreover, DoorDash will secure a position on Also’s governing board.
This capital infusion elevates Also’s cumulative funding to $505 million, placing its market worth beyond $1 billion. The nascent enterprise commenced operations with an initial $105 million investment from Eclipse, the same firm also supporting Mind Robotics — an independent industrial AI entity established by Rivian in the latter part of last year.
Also originated as an clandestine initiative within Rivian during 2022. The electric vehicle manufacturer initially aimed to construct an electric bicycle, even partnering with Jony Ive’s design studio, LoveFrom, a fact first revealed by TechCrunch last year. Also’s inaugural offering is a premium, distinctively styled e-bike; however, it has also unveiled concepts for compact, pedal-assisted delivery conveyances.
Amazon — a significant investor in and associate of Rivian — ordered thousands of these delivery conveyances late last year. Also has stated that these vehicles are capable of transporting over 400 pounds of parcels, yet remain sufficiently compact to navigate bicycle lanes.
This DoorDash agreement represents the initial sign that Also intends to create self-governing iterations of its compact electric transport. Last year, Rivian founder RJ Scaringe and Also CEO Chris Yu informed TechCrunch that nearly any design configuration was being considered — subject to realistic constraints.
Rivian and Also have communicated that the micromobility startup plans to utilize the automaker’s technology within its offerings, alongside its market footprint and efficiency gains from large-scale production. However, it remains uncertain whether Also will incorporate the autonomous driving technology Rivian has been developing.
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Rivian presently intends to integrate a combination of cameras, ultrasonic detectors, radar, and ultimately lidar to enable self-governance in its vehicles. Furthermore, toward the end of last year, Rivian disclosed its creation of proprietary custom silicon and an autonomy computer, aiming to enhance its vehicles’ self-driving capabilities. Scaringe has previously indicated that Mind Robotics would employ this processing unit, suggesting Also might do the same. TechCrunch has contacted both Rivian and Also and will refresh this report upon receiving their reply.
Conceivably, DoorDash might take charge of the self-driving technology.
The corporation operates its dedicated autonomy division and dedicated multiple years to perfecting a robotic conveyance named Dot, furnished with lidar, radar, and visual sensors, capable of independent navigation on thoroughfares, cycling paths, and footpaths. This vividly hue-d vehicle, featuring anthropomorphic optics, can attain velocities of up to 20 miles per hour and is presently conducting deliveries within the greater Phoenix metropolitan region.
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