ford Ford Delays Commercial Autonomous Vehicle Service to 2022 Amid Pandemic Ford postpones its planned autonomous vehicle service launch from 2021 to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The automaker reports a $2 billion first-quarter loss and plans to study shifting consumer behaviors before introducing the self-driving service.
bosch Bosch Lowers Self-Driving Costs While Trifo Raises Millions for AI Vacuum German automotive supplier Bosch introduces a new LIDAR sensor designed to make self-driving technology more affordable for the mass market. Meanwhile, AI robotics startup Trifo launches its smart vacuum robot Lucy and closes a $15 million Series B funding round.
waymo Waymo Discovers Human Psychology Is the Key to Driverless Success Waymo finds that designing a user experience for fully autonomous vehicles relies heavily on behavioral psychology rather than just hard science.
tesla Tesla Acquires DeepScale to Boost Autopilot and Robotaxi Ambitions Tesla purchases computer vision startup DeepScale to enhance its Autopilot system using efficient, low-wattage processors. The acquisition also brings fresh talent to the automaker's self-driving team as it pursues full vehicle autonomy.
tesla Tesla Acquires AI Startup DeepScale to Boost Robotaxi Ambitions Tesla purchases computer vision startup DeepScale to strengthen its Autopilot team and advance its goal of launching a robotaxi fleet. The acquisition brings specialized, power-efficient deep learning talent to the automaker.
tesla Tesla V10 Update Brings Smart Summon, Streaming Apps, and In-Car Karaoke Tesla releases its V10.0 software update, equipping vehicles with the advanced Smart Summon driving feature and a variety of new entertainment options like Netflix and Spotify. The upgrade transforms parked cars into mobile theaters and karaoke lounges for owners.
waymo Waymo's California Robotaxi Pilot Carries Over 6,200 Riders in First Month Waymo completes 4,678 passenger trips with self-driving minivans during its inaugural California pilot month, averaging 156 rides daily. The employee-only program provides early insights into the potential demand for commercial autonomous vehicles.
tesla NTSB Confirms Tesla Autopilot Active During 2018 Fire Truck Crash A preliminary NTSB report reveals that a Tesla Model S strikes a parked fire truck in California while Autopilot is engaged for nearly 14 minutes. Investigators note the driver keeps hands off the wheel for the vast majority of that time despite multiple visual and auditory warnings.
waymo Waymo Releases Massive Open Dataset to Advance Self-Driving Research Waymo launches the Waymo Open Dataset, offering researchers free access to high-resolution sensor data collected across 1,000 driving segments. This diverse dataset aims to accelerate machine learning innovations in autonomous vehicle perception and prediction.
tesla Tesla Plans Massive Chip Retrofit for Older Vehicles Tesla CEO Elon Musk announces that the company will likely begin retrofitting older models with its new custom self-driving computer late in the fourth quarter. The hardware upgrade comes at no cost to customers who previously purchased the Full Self-Driving software package.
apple Apple Acquires Struggling Self-Driving Startup Drive.ai Ahead of Closure Apple absorbs autonomous vehicle startup Drive.ai as the once-promising company shuts down its operations. The acquisition appears to be an acqui-hire focused on bringing talent into Apple's special projects division.
aptiv Aptiv and Lyft Surpass 50,000 Self-Driving Rides in Las Vegas Aptiv's self-driving BMWs provide over 50,000 rides through the Lyft app, earning high safety ratings from passengers. Human safety drivers still remain behind the wheel as the indefinite pilot program continues to expand.
waymo Waymo Resumes Autonomous Truck Testing in Metro Phoenix Waymo returns its self-driving Class 8 trucks to Arizona freeways for advanced testing. The vehicles carry both empty cargo and test freight alongside human safety drivers.
aurora Self-Driving Startup Aurora Acquires Lidar Firm Blackmore After Major Funding Round Following a $530 million Series B round, autonomous vehicle company Aurora acquires lidar startup Blackmore and simulation company 7D Labs to bolster its sensor and data capabilities.
tesla Consumer Reports Warns Tesla's Automatic Lane Change Feature Poses Safety Risks Consumer Reports slams Tesla's automatic lane-change feature as far less competent than a human driver. The advocacy group warns the system actually increases stress and cuts off other vehicles instead of improving safety.