34 results found
Uber and Waymo are clashing over a proposed D.C. robotaxi bill, with Uber pushing for a hybrid model that includes human drivers on ride-hailing platforms, while Waymo backs direct driverless deployment. This lobbying battle highlights fundamentally different visions for the future of autonomous transportation and could set a national precedent.
NHTSA has issued a stark warning to autonomous vehicle developers, demanding immediate solutions to prevent interference with first responders. This federal directive follows recent high-profile incidents involving Waymo robotaxis in San Francisco and escalating tensions between major industry players like Uber and Waymo. The ultimatum marks a critical juncture for the burgeoning robotaxi sector.
Tesla's robotaxi service expands to a small, unsupervised section of West Miami, intensifying competition in the autonomous ride-hailing market. Read our detailed analysis.
Wayve, the UK-based self-driving AI startup, has initiated an $85 million employee tender offer at an $8.5 billion valuation, allowing staff to sell vested equity. This move reflects a growing trend among AI companies using such offers for talent retention, supported by eager investors betting on continued high growth. Wayve plans robotaxi pilots with Uber this year and Nissan integration by 2027.
Waymo and Uber have quietly ended their nearly three-year robotaxi partnership in Phoenix, Arizona, as confirmed by both companies. The pilot program concluded in May 2026, reaching its contracted end date. Uber is seeking a new AV partner in Phoenix, while Waymo has re-absorbed the vehicles into its own fleet.
Chinese company Yueban has unveiled Xiaoban, an autonomous, self-driving toilet designed to enhance accessibility for individuals with mobility issues. Featuring lidar navigation, a built-in bidet, self-cleaning, and automated waste disposal, it seeks to bring personal hygiene solutions directly to the user.
Tired of weekend lawn mowing? The Dreame A3 AWD Pro robot mower offers a next-gen solution, leveraging 4WD, AI mapping, and precision cutting to automate yard work. It's the ultimate Father's Day gift, freeing up dads for more gaming and relaxation.
Mark Zuckerberg's superyacht arrived in Seattle the same day Meta disclosed nearly 1,400 local layoffs, signaling a complex period for the tech giant. Meanwhile, robot pizza startup Picnic shut down, and corporate America grapples with the rising costs of AI, including practices like "tokenmaxxing" that inflate expenses. These events highlight a tech industry facing both opulence and economic realities.
The Musician Hand robot demonstrates rapid, human-like learning, playing music after just two minutes of self-practice. This USC project, dubbed "motor babbling," offers a glimpse into future efficient, experiential AI for rehabilitation robotics.
Waymo's Ojai robotaxi marks a significant evolution for the company with its purpose-built design, spacious interior, and advanced 6th-gen software, promising wider availability. However, recent safety incidents raise concerns.
A new generation of "hands-free" and AI-powered kitchen gadgets is transforming meal preparation, making daily cooking easier and less daunting. From AI-driven robots that chop and stir to smart bread makers and personalized espresso machines, these innovations offer convenience and efficiency for busy individuals.
When diving into the crowded world of robot vacuums, two names consistently rise to the top for market-leading performance: Roborock and Ecovacs. As someone who has rigorously tested dozens of models from both brands, I
Quick Verdict The Dreame X50 Ultra robot vacuum and mop is a premium cleaning powerhouse designed for homes with unique challenges. Its standout features are the auxiliary climbing arms and tangle-free roller, making it
Beatbot's Anniversary Campaign makes smart pool cleaning more accessible with discounts on its cordless robotic cleaners. From entry-level convenience to premium automation, the lineup offers tailored solutions for every pool owner.
This guide helps you choose the perfect Beatbot robotic pool cleaner from its diverse lineup. Learn to match models to your pool's needs and cleaning preferences in simple, sequential steps.
A ransomware attack by ShinyHunters crippled the Canvas learning platform, disrupting students during finals. This incident, emblematic of growing digital threats, highlights how vulnerabilities extend from critical educational tools to everyday smart devices, signaling a new era of pervasive cyber risks.
Tokyo is set to be the premier tech destination of 2026, highlighted by the SusHi Tech Tokyo event, April 27-29. This conference uniquely focuses on four key domains: AI, Robotics, Resilience, and Entertainment, featuring global leaders and innovative startups. TechCrunch is a key partner, spotlighting emerging talent.
Intel has joined Elon Musk's Terafab chips project, partnering with SpaceX and Tesla to build a new semiconductor factory in Texas. This collaboration leverages Intel's chip manufacturing expertise to produce 1 TW/year of compute for AI, robotics, and other advanced applications, significantly bolstering Intel's foundry business.
In a significant move to shape the burgeoning AI economy, OpenAI has unveiled a comprehensive set of policy proposals designed to navigate the economic and social shifts brought about by superintelligent machines. The
Senator Ed Markey's investigation found that leading autonomous vehicle companies, including Waymo and Tesla, are refusing to disclose how often their AVs need remote human assistance. This lack of transparency has led Markey to call for a federal probe by the NHTSA and to propose new legislation aimed at imposing stricter guardrails on AV remote operations.
Nomadic secures $8.4 million in seed funding, valuing the AI startup at $50 million. Its platform transforms vast autonomous vehicle and robot video data into structured, searchable datasets, critical for AI training and identifying crucial edge cases.
Elon Musk has unveiled plans for a new chip manufacturing facility, dubbed "Terafab," in Austin, Texas. The initiative, driven by perceived semiconductor shortages for Tesla and SpaceX's AI and robotics needs, aims to produce chips supporting vast computing power on Earth and in space. While ambitious, the announcement lacks a timeline, and analysts note Musk's history of overpromising on complex projects.
Uber is significantly boosting its autonomous vehicle strategy with a $300 million investment in Rivian, securing 10,000 R2 robotaxis for a 2028 rollout in San Francisco and Miami. This unique partnership places development risks on Rivian as it builds both the vehicle and the self-driving system. The move reflects Uber's broader shift to a global, partner-centric approach to AVs after divesting its in-house unit.
Nvidia's GTC conference featured CEO Jensen Huang projecting $1 trillion in AI chip sales by 2027, unveiling an 'OpenClaw strategy,' and emphasizing Nvidia's foundational role in AI and robotics, impacting startups.
Walt Disney Imagineering has once again pushed the boundaries of theme park technology with their latest creation: a fully self-walking and talking Olaf robot. Developed in a remarkably short span of about four months,
