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Key Takeaways
- Waymo’s Vertical Integration:The robotaxi giant is enhancing its Ojai vehicles with a custom 5nm ASIC chip, demonstrating deep vertical integration for superior efficiency and performance in complex urban environments, crucial for achieving profitability.
- Lidar Security Under Scrutiny:A confidential investigation by the Idaho National Laboratory, funded by EV and AV industry players, is assessing potential security risks posed by Chinese lidar sensors, raising questions about supply chain integrity and data security.
- Mobility Startups Diversify & Scale:Micromobility and autonomous delivery companies like Also and Serve Robotics are securing significant funding and strategically shifting their missions or diversifying partnerships to navigate a dynamic market, highlighting the importance of adaptability.
Waymo’s Vertical Leap: Powering Robotaxis with Custom Silicon
Waymocontinues its aggressive expansion, deploying its robotaxi services across new cities and deepening its presence in existing markets. Central to these ambitions is the sixth-generation self-driving system, which underpins the next-generation Ojai robotaxi. This advanced vehicle, now available to all riders in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco, is not just about broader reach; it’s a strategic move towards a more sustainable business model.
The company has consistently emphasized that the Ojai robotaxi is designed to be cheaper to build, operate, and maintain — critical factors for achieving long-term profitability in the capital-intensive autonomous vehicle (AV) industry. What became clearer this week is the extent of Waymo’s hands-on, vertically integrated approach to achieve these efficiencies. The company has revealed it engineered a custom 5nm ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) chip. This specialized silicon is meticulously crafted to manage the immense flow of raw data generated by the Ojai’s 13 high-fidelity cameras before it even reaches the core “brain” of the self-driving system.
Boasting over 1,000 TOPS (trillions of operations per second) of computing performance, Waymo’s custom chip positions its system in a performance bracket comparable to industry leaders like Nvidia’s DRIVE AGX Thor automotive processor. This delivers, as Waymo claims, “unmatched efficiency and performance.” The practical upshot is a system capable of exceptionally fast and safe reactions, even in the most complex and high-density urban settings, where rapid decision-making is paramount for safety and reliability. This deep integration allows Waymo greater control over hardware and software optimization, potentially reducing reliance on third-party components and enhancing the system’s overall robustness.
While Waymo is pursuing vertical integration, it’s not operating in isolation. The company acknowledges a robust ecosystem of partners, many disclosed for the first time, including industry stalwarts like AMD, Micron, Nvidia, Samsung, Sandisk, Socionext, and TSMC. This collaborative approach suggests a strategy of leveraging specialized expertise while maintaining core control over critical components like its custom silicon.
National Security Spotlight: Investigating Chinese Lidar in EVs
In a development that underscores growing geopolitical concerns within the tech sector, sources close to TechCrunch senior reporter Sean O’Kane have revealed a discreet yet significant investigation by theIdaho National Laboratory. The laboratory is reportedly evaluating whether Chinese-manufactured lidar sensors could pose a security risk if widely adopted in vehicles across the United States. Lidar, a critical component for autonomous driving, uses pulsed laser light to measure distances and create precise 3D maps of environments. Its potential use in a range of vehicles, from passenger cars to commercial fleets, makes any security vulnerability a serious national concern.
What makes this investigation particularly intriguing is its funding source: a company, or perhaps a consortium of companies, within the electric and autonomous vehicle industries. The anonymity surrounding the funding raises questions about the motivations and potential findings of the research. O’Kane reached out to a broad spectrum of industry players, including Rivian, General Motors, Ford, Kodiak, Lucid Motors, Nuro, and Uber, seeking clarity on their involvement or awareness. Intriguingly, all companies contacted claimed to be unaware of the review, while Aurora, Nvidia, and Zoox did not respond to inquiries. This silence from key industry players only deepens the mystery and highlights the sensitive nature of the topic.
The investigation reflects broader national security concerns about foreign technology in critical infrastructure, particularly from nations perceived as strategic competitors. Potential risks could range from data exfiltration and espionage to the possibility of remote manipulation or disruption of vehicle systems. If the Idaho National Laboratory’s findings suggest a genuine security threat, it could have profound implications for the automotive supply chain, potentially leading to restrictions or even bans on certain lidar technologies, reshaping market dynamics for sensor manufacturers globally. The full story on this clandestine probe remains to be seen, but its implications could be far-reaching for the future of autonomous mobility in the U.S.
Got a tip for us? Email Kirsten Korosec at kirsten.korosec@techcrunch.com or my Signal at kkorosec.07, or email Sean O’Kane at sean.okane@techcrunch.com.
Mobility Investment Pulse: From Autonomous Delivery to Electric Trucks
Also’s Rapid Evolution: From Micromobility to Autonomous EVs
The investment landscape in mobility remains vibrant, with several startups securing significant capital. One notable player isAlso, a company originally incubated within Rivian, which recently closed a $150 million Series D round. Led by Prysm Capital, with continued support from existing investors Eclipse, Greenoaks, and MVP Ventures, this latest infusion brings Also’s total funding to $455 million since its spin-out from Rivian in March 2025. This rapid progression to a Series D round within little more than a year is remarkable, but equally so is the evolution of Also’s mission.
Initially conceived as a micromobility company focusing on pedal-assist electric bikes and commercial cargo quads, Also has significantly broadened its vision. It now describes itself as a “Palo Alto-based technology company building the world’s most capable driven and autonomous small electric vehicles.” This shift, first highlighted earlier this year with a $200 million funding round and a multiyear commercial agreement with DoorDash, underscores a pivot towards the more complex and capital-intensive autonomous delivery sector. This expansion indicates the company’s ambition to tackle a wider array of logistics challenges, leveraging autonomous technology to streamline last-mile delivery and beyond.
Serve Robotics Navigates Market Shifts with Strategic Partnerships
Another key player in the autonomous delivery space, sidewalk robot companyServe Robotics, demonstrated crucial adaptability this week. Following recent news from its earnings call that Uber was reducing its reliance on Serve’s robots and would conclude their partnership next year — with Uber also liquidating its shares in the company — Serve has proven the value of diversification. Months before these shifts became public, Serve was proactively forging new alliances, which have now been finalized.
Serve has successfully partnered withGrubhubto deploy its sidewalk robots, initially rolling out in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Alexandria, Virginia. Furthermore, its existing collaboration with DoorDash has expanded into new territories, including San Jose, California, and Washington, D.C. Uber’s strategic retreat from Serve offers a poignant lesson for any scaling company: never rely on a single client or partnership. Serve’s swift and successful pivot to new and expanded agreements illustrates the vital importance of a diversified client base and strategic foresight in a rapidly evolving, competitive market, ensuring resilience even when major partnerships shift.
Electrifying Logistics: Einride and Tesla Forge a Trucking Alliance
Beyond last-mile solutions, the electrification of heavy-duty logistics continues to gain momentum.Einride, the pioneering Swedish company specializing in electric and autonomous trucking, has made a significant move by striking a deal withTesla. This agreement involves the acquisition of 500 electric trucks from Tesla, marking a substantial commitment to scaling Einride’s fleet of sustainable transport solutions. This partnership highlights the growing demand for zero-emission freight and the willingness of specialized logistics providers to integrate established EV manufacturing capabilities into their advanced, digitally optimized services.
The Bottom Line
The mobility sector is a dynamic crucible of innovation, where technological advancements, strategic investments, and geopolitical considerations converge. Waymo’s deep dive into custom silicon exemplifies the relentless pursuit of efficiency and performance crucial for autonomous vehicle viability. Simultaneously, the scrutiny over lidar sensors underscores the complex interplay between innovation and national security, signaling a potential reshaping of supply chains. Meanwhile, the strategic pivots and partnership diversification seen in companies like Also and Serve Robotics highlight the imperative for adaptability and robust business models in a market where even major players can shift allegiances. As electric and autonomous technologies continue to mature, the industry will undoubtedly face more such challenges and opportunities, demanding constant vigilance and strategic evolution from all participants.
The world of mobility tech continues its relentless, multi-modal march forward, showcasing a dynamic interplay between ambitious innovation, significant investment, and the ever-present challenges of scaling and regulation. This week, we saw major strides in autonomous transport – both on the ground and in the air – alongside fresh capital fueling the next generation of electric vehicles and a stark reminder of the regulatory hurdles facing industry giants. From futuristic hydrofoils to robotaxis poised to transform cityscapes, here’s a look at the key developments shaping our connected future.
Key Takeaways
- Autonomous Transport Takes Flight & Road:Uber and Amazon are pushing aggressive timelines for drone delivery, while Tesla, Uber, and Waymo secured permits for a significant robotaxi rollout in Las Vegas, signaling an accelerated race towards commercial autonomous services despite ongoing regulatory scrutiny.
- Electric Mobility Diversifies & Scales:From Einride integrating Tesla Semis into its fleet for major customers like Amazon, to startups like Vessev developing electric hydrofoil boats and Grounded customizing electric vans, the electrification of transport is broadening beyond consumer cars into commercial fleets and specialized sectors.
- Regulatory Pressures Intensify:Major players like Uber face substantial fines for data privacy violations, and Tesla, alongside other automakers, is navigating widespread safety recalls, underscoring the growing importance of compliance and consumer protection in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
This week’s mobility headlines painted a vivid picture of an industry in constant motion, marked by bold expansion plans and significant financial backing, yet continually tethered by the realities of production, safety, and regulatory oversight. From the skies above bustling cities to the roads of Nevada and the waters of New Zealand, innovation is pushing boundaries, but not without its growing pains.
Autonomous Evolution: From Sky to Ground and Everywhere In Between
The ambition for autonomous delivery and transport is reaching new heights, quite literally, with major players betting big on drone logistics and robotaxi services.Uber, in a significant move, announced a strategic investment in and partnership with drone delivery companyZipline. While the exact investment sum remains under wraps, the shared objective is anything but modest: to achieve an astonishing 1 million deliveries per day using Zipline’s advanced drone technology by the close of 2029. This partnership signifies a powerful endorsement of drone delivery as a scalable solution for last-mile logistics, potentially revolutionizing how goods reach consumers.
Not to be outdone, retail giantAmazonhas also articulated an aggressive expansion strategy for its own drone delivery service. The company aims to extend its drone operations to nearly 500 U.S. cities by the end of 2026, representing a sixfold increase from its current operational footprint. These parallel efforts by Uber and Amazon underscore a collective industry belief in the transformative power of aerial delivery, envisioning a future where small packages and essential items are routinely whisked through the air.
On the ground, the race for commercial robotaxi deployment is heating up dramatically, particularly in Nevada.Tesla,Uber, andWaymohave all secured permits from Nevada regulators to operate commercial robotaxi services in Clark County, which encompasses the bustling city of Las Vegas. These permits, collectively, could pave the way for the deployment of up to 8,000 robotaxis across the county within the next 12 months. While it’s highly improbable that all 8,000 vehicles will hit the Vegas streets in such a short timeframe, even a fraction of this number would profoundly impact the city’s transportation landscape, offering a tangible glimpse into the future of urban mobility. This signifies a pivotal moment for autonomous vehicle technology, moving beyond pilot programs to large-scale commercial operations in a major metropolitan area.
Uber’s commitment to autonomous vehicles extends globally, with a slew of additional announcements this week. The company is engaged in early rider testing in London with its partner Wayve, has launched a robotaxi service in Zagreb, Croatia, in collaboration with Pony.ai and Verne, and is offering driverless rides in Dubai with Baidu. These diverse partnerships across continents highlight Uber’s strategy to rapidly expand its autonomous footprint through collaboration rather than solely in-house development, adapting to varying local regulations and market conditions.
However, the path to full autonomy is not without its speed bumps.Waymorecently responded to questions from theNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)as part of the regulator’s ongoing investigation into an incident where one of its robotaxis struck a child at low speed. The responses, at least those released to the public, were heavily redacted, underscoring the delicate balance between transparency and proprietary information in the face of regulatory scrutiny. These investigations are crucial for building public trust and ensuring the safety of autonomous systems as they become more integrated into daily life.
Beyond passenger transport, autonomy is also making inroads into industrial applications.Bedrock Robotics, an autonomous vehicle technology startup founded by veterans fromWaymoandSegment, announced that excavators equipped with its self-driving system are now operating fully autonomously at three large customer sites in Nevada and Texas. This demonstrates the broadening scope of AV technology, moving beyond consumer-facing services to enhance efficiency and safety in heavy industries.
Electrifying Fleets and Future Vehicles
The drive towards electrification continues to reshape the transportation industry across multiple segments. In a significant win for sustainable logistics, logistics tech companyEinrideannounced its plans to integrateTesla Semisinto its customer fleets, including for major players like Amazon. These electric big rigs will be added in phases over the next 24 months, with deployments commencing in September. This move is particularly noteworthy given Tesla’s ongoing challenges in scaling up production, having recently pulled back on previous promises to reach “volume production” in 2026. Einride’s commitment despite these hurdles speaks to the strong demand for electric heavy-duty transport and the potential impact of the Tesla Semi on commercial logistics.
The custom vehicle market is also seeing a jolt of electric innovation.Grounded, a Detroit-based startup specializing in customizing both electric and gas-powered vans, successfully raised a $5 million seed round. This funding round saw repeat investments from existing backers Also Capital and Chicago-based early-stage firm The 81 Collection, alongside new investments from Animal Capital, the Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund, and “various SpaceX alumni.” According to founder and CEO Sam Shapiro, this capital will fuel the company’s expansion as it caters to the growing demand for bespoke, often electrified, commercial vehicles.
Venturing beyond land, the electrification trend is making waves on the water.Vessev, a New Zealand startup, secured $19 million in a Series A funding round for its pioneering work in developing electric hydrofoil boats. The round was led by Blackbird Ventures, with new investors GD1 and Rypples joining existing backers such as K1W1, Icehouse Ventures, Shasta Ventures, NZVC, and various angel investors. Electric hydrofoils represent a cutting-edge approach to marine transport, offering significant energy efficiency gains and reduced environmental impact by lifting the hull out of the water to minimize drag.
In the consumer luxury EV segment,Hyundai’sluxury car brandGenesisunveiled its seven-seater electric SUV, the GV90. This new entrant is poised to compete directly with other high-end, hefty electric SUVs such as the Cadillac Escalade IQ and the Rivian R1S, signaling the luxury market’s full embrace of large-format electric vehicles and the increasing diversification of EV offerings.
Regulatory Roadblocks & Data Privacy Concerns
Amidst all the innovation and expansion, the mobility sector is also grappling with significant regulatory challenges and safety concerns. In a stark reminder of data privacy responsibilities,Uberwas hit with a hefty fine of €825 million ($966 million) by the Dutch Data Protection Authority. The fine was imposed for Uber’s use of automated systems to deactivate or suspend driver accounts without adequately informing them, a clear violation of European data protection law. This penalty underscores the stringent nature of GDPR and other data privacy regulations, and the need for tech companies to ensure transparency and fairness in their automated decision-making processes, especially when they impact livelihoods.
Safety recalls also cast a shadow over some of the biggest names in the industry.Teslais among 11 carmakers in China recalling millions of vehicles due to issues with hidden emergency door releases. These designs, which can trap occupants in the event of a crash or fire, affect a broad range of manufacturers, including Chinese EV startups like Xiaomi and Xpeng, and Geely brands Zeekr and Lynk & Co. This widespread recall highlights the shared challenges in automotive safety design and manufacturing, impacting even the most advanced EV producers.
The rapid pace of innovation in mobility tech is undeniably exciting, promising more efficient, sustainable, and autonomous ways to move people and goods. However, this week’s news also serves as a crucial reminder that with great technological power comes significant responsibility. Companies are not only racing to develop and deploy cutting-edge solutions but must also navigate a complex web of regulatory compliance, ensure robust safety standards, and uphold stringent data privacy principles. The financial and reputational costs of neglecting these responsibilities are substantial, as demonstrated by Uber’s nine-figure fine and the industry-wide recalls.
Bottom Line
The mobility tech landscape is a vibrant frontier, rapidly evolving with unprecedented investment and ambitious plans for autonomous systems and electric vehicles across land, air, and sea. Yet, this dynamism is increasingly tempered by a vigilant regulatory environment and persistent production and safety challenges. Success in this sector will not only depend on technological prowess but also on a company’s ability to build trust, navigate complex compliance, and scale responsibly in an ever-scrutinizing world.
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