News/Transportation
Uber’s gig within gig allows drivers to make money labeling AI data
Uber has launched a pilot program in the US that allows its drivers to complete data labeling tasks during downtime, expanding on a similar initiative already running in India. The move positions Uber to become a major player in the AI training data market by leveraging its global workforce of drivers and delivery workers to help enterprises scale their artificial intelligence efforts. What you should know: Uber's AI Solutions division is testing a program where select US drivers and couriers complete digital tasks like recording speech samples, submitting multilingual documents, and uploading images. The pilot builds on a successful program...
read Oct 17, 2025Autonomous food delivery robots face regulatory roadblock in D.C.
D.C. transportation officials are resisting calls to fast-track regulations for autonomous food delivery robots on city sidewalks, despite pressure from tech companies eager to launch the service. The standoff highlights the tension between innovation advocates pushing for rapid deployment and regulators prioritizing safety concerns, particularly for pedestrians with disabilities. The big picture: Sharon Kershbaum, director of the D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT), emphasized that developing rules for sidewalk robots represents "really new territory" requiring careful consideration of pedestrian safety. "We're not dragging our feet. We know people want us to move more quickly. But there are no rules that govern...
read Oct 17, 2025Idle hands are the AI’s plaything: Researchers use Mario Kart to train self-driving car
Researchers at the University of Maryland are using Nintendo's Mario Kart video game to train artificial intelligence systems for autonomous driving applications. The innovative approach allows AI programs to learn safe driving behaviors in a simulated environment before being tested on real roads, potentially advancing the development of self-driving vehicle technology. How it works: The research team has reprogrammed Mario Kart to prioritize safe driving over winning, creating a training ground for autonomous systems. AI programs control Mario through racing laps while being evaluated on both speed and safety metrics. The system generates safety scores based on how well the...
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Chicago buses deploy AI cameras to catch illegal lane parkers
Chicago Transit Authority buses will begin using AI-powered cameras to catch drivers illegally parked in bus and bike lanes starting Wednesday. The Chicago Department of Transportation will review captured video footage to issue warnings or fines, aiming to reduce traffic backups and improve bus boarding accessibility for passengers. What you should know: The new AI camera system represents an expansion of existing enforcement technology already deployed on other city vehicles.• The cameras automatically detect when vehicles are parked in restricted bus or bike lanes and capture video evidence for review.• The Chicago Department of Transportation handles the review process and...
read Oct 14, 2025Serve Robotics tops Fast Company’s tech list with Gen3 delivery robots
Serve Robotics has secured the top spot in Fast Company's "Next Big Things in Tech" list for the Robotics and Automation category, highlighting its third-generation autonomous sidewalk delivery robot. The recognition validates Serve's position in the expanding last-mile logistics market as the company scales toward its goal of deploying 2,000 robots across major U.S. cities by the end of 2025. What you should know: Serve's third-generation robot represents a significant leap in autonomous delivery capabilities compared to previous models. The Gen3 robot operates nearly twice as fast, travels double the distance, runs six additional hours per day, and carries larger...
read Oct 14, 2025Coco Robotics hires UCLA professor Bolei Zhou to lead new physical AI lab
Coco Robotics has established a new physical AI research lab led by UCLA professor Bolei Zhou, who also joins the startup as chief AI scientist. The move represents the company's strategic pivot from human-operated delivery robots to fully autonomous systems, leveraging five years of real-world data collected from its last-mile delivery fleet. What you should know: Coco Robotics has accumulated millions of miles of operational data from urban delivery routes, positioning the company to accelerate AI automation research. The startup launched in 2020 using teleoperators—remote human controllers—to help robots navigate obstacles during deliveries, but CEO Zach Rash says the company...
read Oct 14, 2025FIU researchers develop blockchain defense against AI data poisoning attacks
Florida International University researchers have developed a blockchain-based security framework to protect AI systems from data poisoning attacks, where malicious actors insert corrupted information to manipulate AI decision-making. The technology, called blockchain-based federated learning (BCFL), uses decentralized verification similar to cryptocurrency networks to prevent potentially catastrophic failures in autonomous vehicles and other AI-powered systems. What you should know: Data poisoning represents one of the most serious threats to AI systems, capable of causing deadly consequences in critical applications. Dr. Hadi Amini, an associate professor of computer science at FIU, demonstrated how a simple green laser pointer can trick an AI...
read Oct 14, 2025Revolute Robotics raises $1.9M for hybrid roll-and-fly surveillance robots
Revolute Robotics has raised $1.9 million to accelerate deployment of its spherical robots that can both roll across terrain and fly when needed. The Arizona-based company's hybrid mobility robots are designed for surveillance, security, defense applications, and industrial inspections in hard-to-reach areas, positioning them to serve critical infrastructure and military markets. What you should know: Revolute's robots combine ground and aerial capabilities in a single spherical design equipped with advanced sensing technology. The "Hybrid Mobility Robot" features LiDAR sensors (which use laser beams to create detailed 3D maps), thermal imaging, gas and radiation detection, and ultrasonic systems for comprehensive data...
read Oct 13, 2025Elon Musk’s own Grok confirms Lucid Air beats Tesla Model S
Lucid Motors used Elon Musk's own AI chatbot Grok to validate claims that its luxury electric vehicles outperform Tesla's offerings, with the AI confirming the 2025 Lucid Air as the best luxury EV option. The marketing stunt highlights intensifying competition in the premium electric vehicle market, where Lucid is positioning itself as a more advanced alternative to Tesla's aging Model S lineup. What happened: Lucid posted a social media video asking three AI chatbots—Grok, ChatGPT, and Copilot—"What's the best luxury EV?" All three AI systems identified the 2025 Lucid Air as the top luxury electric vehicle choice. Grok specifically praised...
read Oct 10, 2025All-weather friends: China’s DEEP Robotics unveils world’s first weatherproof humanoid robot
DEEP Robotics, a China-based embodied intelligence company, has unveiled the DR02, which it claims is the world's first humanoid robot with an IP66 protection rating for all-weather outdoor operations. The industrial-grade robot combines waterproof capabilities with human-like proportions and advanced computing power, targeting applications in security patrols, factory operations, and other challenging environments where traditional humanoids couldn't previously function. What you should know: The DR02 represents a significant leap in humanoid robot durability and versatility for industrial applications. Standing 175cm tall with 68cm arm length, the robot matches adult male proportions for compatibility with existing human workspaces and tools. Its...
read Oct 10, 2025Serve Robotics raises $100M to scale autonomous delivery robot fleet
Serve Robotics has secured $100 million through a registered direct offering, selling 6.25 million shares to institutional investors at $16 per share. The autonomous sidewalk delivery company plans to use the funds for general corporate purposes and working capital as it scales its AI-powered robot fleet across multiple U.S. markets. What you should know: The offering represents significant institutional confidence in Serve's autonomous delivery technology and market position. Northland Capital Markets served as the sole placement agent, with Oppenheimer & Co. and Wedbush Securities acting as capital markets advisors. The transaction is expected to close on October 14, 2025, subject...
read Oct 9, 2025Serve Robotics stock surges on DoorDash partnership for last-mile meal delivery
Serve Robotics stock surged in early trading after the sidewalk delivery robot company announced a multi-year strategic partnership with DoorDash to deploy autonomous delivery vehicles across the United States, beginning with Los Angeles. This expansion marks a significant step in the growing competition among food delivery platforms to integrate robotics technology for last-mile delivery automation. What you should know: The partnership will leverage Serve Robotics' existing autonomous delivery infrastructure to expand DoorDash's robotic delivery capabilities nationwide. Serve Robotics already operates restaurant delivery services in Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Chicago, and Atlanta through its partnership with Uber Eats. DoorDash currently uses...
read Oct 7, 2025New AI tool predicts if your electric vehicle can complete planned trips
Engineers at the University of California, Riverside have developed State of Mission (SOM), an AI diagnostic tool that predicts whether an electric vehicle can complete a specific trip based on real-world conditions rather than just showing battery percentage. The system combines machine learning with physics to factor in elevation, traffic, temperature, and driving style, addressing a critical gap in current EV battery management that often leaves drivers uncertain about their actual range. How it works: SOM replaces traditional battery gauges with mission-specific predictions by blending AI adaptability with electrochemical reality.• The hybrid model "learns" from how batteries behave over time—how...
read Oct 7, 2025Here are 5 ways AI is transforming aircraft maintenance operations
Aviation maintenance has long been a reactive discipline—technicians troubleshoot problems after they occur, often working against tight deadlines to get aircraft back in service. However, artificial intelligence is beginning to transform this high-stakes industry by predicting failures before they happen and streamlining complex repair processes. Veryon, a San Francisco-based aviation software company serving over 5,500 customers globally, recently launched AIRE, an AI-powered platform that demonstrates how machine learning can revolutionize aircraft maintenance. The system combines decades of maintenance data with predictive analytics to help airlines and aircraft operators shift from reactive repairs to proactive maintenance strategies. This technological shift matters...
read Oct 6, 2025Experts predict Musk’s Mars robots will become “dead husks”
Elon Musk plans to deploy Tesla's Optimus humanoid robots to Mars as early as 2026, positioning them as advance scouts to explore terrain and build infrastructure before human colonization. However, leading robotics experts are raising serious concerns about whether these AI-powered machines can survive Mars' extreme conditions, with some predicting they'll become "dead husks" shortly after arrival due to the planet's harsh environment. The big picture: Musk envisions Optimus robots as the vanguard of his Mars colonization strategy, launching via SpaceX's Starship to scout landing sites and assemble basic habitats before humans arrive. The plan represents a convergence of Musk's...
read Oct 6, 2025Serve Robotics deploys 1,000th delivery robot with 2,000 more planned by 2025
Serve Robotics has deployed its 1,000th autonomous delivery robot, marking a major operational milestone for the San Francisco-based company as it scales across the United States. The achievement demonstrates the growing viability of sidewalk delivery robots in last-mile logistics, with Serve maintaining its trajectory toward 2,000 deployed units by the end of 2025. What you should know: Serve deployed more than 380 third-generation robots in September alone, bringing its total fleet to 1,000 active units operating across multiple US markets. The company spun out of Uber in 2021 and has completed hundreds of thousands of deliveries for enterprise partners including...
read Oct 6, 2025Waze debuts natural language-detecting AI voice reporting for rubberneckers
Waze has rolled out "Conversational Reporting," an AI-powered feature that allows drivers to report road hazards using natural language voice commands instead of navigating through menus. The feature, which was announced a year ago and has been in limited beta testing, leverages Google's Gemini AI capabilities to understand casual speech patterns and automatically categorize reports without requiring specific commands or additional button presses. How it works: Drivers can now report hazards by simply tapping the reporting button and speaking naturally about what they observe on the road.• Users can say things like "Looks like there are cars jammed up ahead!"...
read Oct 3, 2025EU chief pushes for self-driving car network to rival US and China
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for a continent-wide push to develop self-driving cars during Italian Tech Week in Turin, positioning artificial intelligence as a key solution for reviving Europe's struggling automotive sector. Her "AI first" strategy aims to help European automakers catch up with competitors in the United States and China while improving road safety and preserving millions of jobs across the region. What she's proposing: Von der Leyen outlined an ambitious plan to establish Europe as a leader in autonomous vehicle technology through coordinated action across member states. She proposed creating a network of European cities...
read Oct 3, 2025Uber acquires Belgian Segments.ai to expand AI data labeling services
Uber has acquired Belgian data labeling startup Segments.ai for an undisclosed amount, expanding its push into AI training services beyond its traditional ride-sharing and delivery operations. The move transforms Uber's internal data labeling capabilities—originally developed for its own autonomous driving efforts—into a revenue-generating service for other companies developing self-driving technologies worldwide. What you should know: Segments.ai specializes in annotating objects in videos and LiDAR sensor data, creating the training datasets essential for autonomous vehicle development.• The Y Combinator-backed startup helps engineers label complex visual data that AI systems need to recognize and respond to real-world driving scenarios.• Uber has been...
read Oct 2, 2025NEURA Robotics acquires ek robotics to expand global mobile automation
NEURA Robotics has acquired ek robotics, a German company specializing in autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), adding over 300 employees and six decades of driverless transport expertise to its operations. The acquisition positions NEURA to accelerate growth in mobile robotics while expanding ek robotics' reach from its European stronghold into global markets through NEURA's established presence in China and the United States. What you should know: The deal combines NEURA's cognitive robotics technology with ek robotics' proven intralogistics solutions and customer base. NEURA will integrate its mobile robotics technologies and strong order book into ek robotics'...
read Oct 2, 20258-legged robot “Charlotte” builds 2,000 sq ft homes from dirt and waste in 24 hours
Crest Robotics has unveiled Charlotte, an eight-legged spider-inspired construction robot that builds walls layer by layer using locally sourced dirt, sand, and waste materials. The robot combines autonomous navigation with 3D printing technology to construct flood-resistant, fireproof structures, potentially revolutionizing both earthbound construction and future lunar settlement building. How it works: Charlotte operates as an autonomous construction system that maps building sites and adapts to terrain challenges in real-time. The robot's spider-like legs bend and stretch to navigate obstacles, climb over unfinished flooring, and position precisely where each new layer needs to be deposited. Charlotte maps entire construction sites and...
read Oct 1, 2025Automaker Stellantis and Mistral expand partnership with 2 new AI platforms
Carmaker Stellantis and French AI firm Mistral AI are expanding their 18-month partnership to accelerate artificial intelligence adoption across the automaker's global operations. The collaboration introduces two new platforms designed to integrate AI solutions into sales, aftersales, and core production processes, positioning Stellantis to leverage AI for enhanced customer service and operational efficiency. What you should know: The expanded partnership builds on successful pilot programs that began 18 months ago between Stellantis, which owns brands like Jeep and Ram, and Mistral AI, a French artificial intelligence company. Two new platforms will launch: Innovation Lab and Transformation Academy, each targeting different...
read Sep 30, 2025AI in the Chi: Serve Robotics launches autonomous sidewalk delivery in 14 Chicago neighborhoods
Serve Robotics has launched its autonomous sidewalk delivery robots in Chicago through its partnership with Uber Eats, marking the company's first expansion into the Midwest. The rollout spans 14 neighborhoods and brings contact-free delivery from over 100 restaurants to hundreds of thousands of Chicago households, representing a significant milestone in Serve's goal to deploy 2,000 AI-powered delivery robots across the US by the end of 2025. What you should know: Chicago becomes Serve Robotics' fifth major market, following successful deployments in Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Atlanta. The service launches across 14 Chicago neighborhoods including Austin, Belmont Cragin, Dunning,...
read Sep 30, 2025Waymo expands self-driving taxis to over a dozen cities with 88% fewer injuries
Waymo, Google's autonomous vehicle subsidiary, is rapidly scaling its self-driving taxi service across major U.S. cities, with plans to expand to over a dozen metropolitan areas soon. The company's progress signals a potential disruption to ride-sharing giants Uber and Lyft, as Waymo demonstrates significantly safer performance than human drivers while processing 250,000 paid trips weekly. The big picture: After 15 years of development and 71 million collective miles driven, Waymo has achieved the technological maturity needed for widespread autonomous vehicle deployment across American cities. Safety performance: Waymo's autonomous vehicles demonstrate substantially better safety records compared to human-driven trips. 88% fewer...
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