In autonomous and self-driving news are, WeRide, Uber, Zoox, Pony.ai, Autolane, Sonair, Ouster, Komatsu Mining, and Knightscope.
In this Article
WeRide and Uber AV Partnership in 15 New Cities
WeRide and Uber have announced a major expansion of their autonomous driving partnership, planning to roll out Robotaxi services in 15 additional cities worldwide over the next five years, including locations in Europe. Building on initial deployments in Abu Dhabi and soon Dubai, the collaboration aims to extend outside the US and China, with WeRide providing the autonomous vehicles and Uber managing fleet operations. The move underscores both companies’ commitment to advancing sustainable, accessible autonomous mobility on a global scale, leveraging Uber’s vast platform and WeRide’s cutting-edge AV technology.
Zoox Software Recall: Robotaxi Collision in Vegas
Zoox, the autonomous vehicle company owned by Amazon, has issued a voluntary software recall for 270 of its driverless vehicles following a minor collision in Las Vegas involving one of its unoccupied robotaxis. The incident, which occurred on April 8, involved a low-speed crash with a passenger vehicle and has prompted the company to update its software to better handle certain driving scenarios.
According to a filing submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on May 1, the crash took place when a passenger vehicle approached the Zoox robotaxi’s lane from a perpendicular driveway and then stopped. The robotaxi, traveling over 40 miles per hour, anticipated that the vehicle would continue into its path and adjusted its trajectory accordingly, steering right and braking hard. However, when the other car instead came to a full stop, the robotaxi was unable to avoid contact. No injuries were reported, and both vehicles sustained only minor damage.
The software update, deployed between April 16 and 17, addresses what Zoox described as “inaccurately confident predictions” by its autonomous system in scenarios involving fast-moving, merging vehicles. The flaw could result in a misjudgment about another vehicle’s intentions—particularly when the vehicle appears to be inching into the robotaxi’s lane but then yields.
Uber Ups Autonomous Ante
Uber is doubling down on its belief that autonomous vehicle (AV) technology represents the company’s greatest growth opportunity, citing rapid progress in both Mobility and Delivery services. As of Q4 2024, Uber has reached an annual run rate of 1.5 million AV trips, and its recent exclusive launch with Waymo in Austin has outperformed expectations. The fleet of around 100 Waymo vehicles now ranks among the most active on Uber’s platform in the city, with plans to scale significantly and expand service to Atlanta in the summer.
In just one week, Uber secured or expanded five AV mobility partnerships, bringing its global total to 18. Notable new collaborations include Volkswagen in Los Angeles, Avride in Dallas, and May Mobility in Arlington, Texas. Internationally, Uber is extending its partnership with WeRide to 15 more cities, and has added Momenta for European deployment and Pony.ai for the Middle East. These developments are key steps toward Uber’s broader strategy to embed AVs in its core operations worldwide.
Uber is also growing its autonomous delivery services in U.S. cities like Chicago, Miami, Dallas, and Jersey City with partners Coco, Serve, and Avride. Additionally, Uber Freight achieved a milestone by completing a fully driverless freight trip with Aurora on public roads. The company views sidewalk robots and autonomous freight as early-stage innovations that are already generating cost savings and operational efficiency.
Pony.ai and Uber Partner to Launch Robotaxis, in Middle East
Pony.ai and Uber announced a strategic partnership to integrate Pony.ai’s autonomous Robotaxis into the Uber platform, beginning with a pilot launch in a key Middle Eastern market later this year. Riders may soon have the option to select autonomous vehicles via the Uber app, initially with onboard safety operators. The collaboration aims to scale globally, leveraging Pony.ai’s mass-producible seventh-generation autonomous driving system and Uber’s broad mobility platform.
The partnership advances Pony.ai’s global expansion and supports Uber’s push toward integrating autonomous vehicles. Both companies view the move as a major milestone in the commercial rollout of driverless ride-hailing services, with plans to expand into additional international markets over time.
TIER IV Japan’s & Level 4+ Autonomous Driving
TIER IV has been selected for a key Japanese government project under the Mobility DX Strategy to accelerate the deployment of Level 4+ autonomous driving services. In collaboration with automakers and Carnegie Mellon University, TIER IV will help develop advanced standards, simulation tools, and a large-scale open dataset combining real and synthetic data. The initiative aims to support safe, scalable robotaxi deployment and bolster Japan’s leadership in autonomous vehicle technology.
Autolane Debuts OpenCurb OS
Autolane launched OpenCurb OS™, a curbside operating system for managing autonomous vehicle (AV) pickups and drop-offs at high-traffic locations like big-box retailers, malls, QSRs, and stadiums. Now live in the San Francisco Bay Area, the system coordinates AV arrivals, automates parking and trunk access, and reduces congestion without human help.
OpenCurb provides real-time oversight through a cloud dashboard, improving traffic flow and service predictability. It’s designed for sites where fast, reliable curbside service is key to customer experience and revenue. By solving the “last fifty feet” challenge, OpenCurb sets a new standard in AV infrastructure and supports industry-wide adoption. Pilot programs are launching in California and Texas, with businesses invited to join.
Sonair Unveils ADAR 3D Ultrasonic Sensor
Norwegian sensor company Sonair is set to introduce its groundbreaking ADAR (Acoustic Detection and Ranging) sensor to North American audiences at Automate 2025. Selected for the prestigious Automate Startup Challenge, ADAR is the world’s first safe 3D ultrasonic sensor designed specifically for environments where humans and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) operate side by side. Offering a full 180° x 180° field of view and up to a 5-meter range, ADAR dramatically improves upon conventional 2D LiDAR by enabling real-time 3D detection of people and obstacles at a fraction of the cost.
Developed over two decades at Norway’s MiNaLab research center, ADAR uses advanced beamforming—a technique found in medical ultrasound and radar—to deliver robust spatial awareness through soundwaves in air. This technology creates a virtual safety shield that helps AMRs better interpret their environment and avoid collisions. Sonair aims to achieve ISO safety certification for ADAR by the end of 2025, making it the first 3D ultrasonic sensor in air to reach that benchmark. Visitors to Sonair’s booth at Automate will experience the sensor’s real-time capabilities firsthand.
The ADAR sensor has already drawn strong commercial interest, validated by over 20 global companies and adopted by leading robotics manufacturers such as Japan’s FUJI CORPORATION and a Swiss maker of autonomous cleaning robots. Praised for its compact design, low power consumption, and seamless integration, ADAR is seen as a major leap forward in human-robot coexistence. Shipments are expected to begin in July 2025, as Sonair continues to scale its partnerships and bring safe, cost-effective 3D sensing to a wide range of industries.
Ouster and Komatsu Mining Autonomy with 3D Lidar
Ouster, Inc. (Nasdaq: OUST), a global leader in high-performance lidar sensors and software, has entered into a multimillion-dollar agreement with Komatsu, a major manufacturer of heavy industrial and mining equipment. Under the partnership, Ouster will supply advanced 3D digital lidar sensors to Komatsu’s autonomous mining machinery lineup. The collaboration aims to replace legacy 2D systems with Ouster’s REV7 long- and short-range lidar for improved perception, safety, and navigation. Designed to endure harsh mining conditions, these sensors support zone monitoring and continuous firmware updates to enhance performance. This deal underscores Komatsu’s mission to increase operational safety and efficiency through cutting-edge automation.
Knightscope Joins AUVSI
Knightscope, Inc. (NASDAQ: KSCP), a leader in autonomous security robots and AI technologies, has joined the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to uncrewed systems. As a new member, Knightscope will actively participate in AUVSI’s Cyber, Ground, and Defense Advocacy Committees, along with the Robotics Subcommittee. The company aims to influence national robotics policy—including the development of a National Robotics Strategy—by contributing its expertise in autonomous ground robotics and cybersecurity. This move strengthens Knightscope’s role in guiding federal standards and legislation around public safety and defense tech.