In autonomous and self-driving vehicle news are AEye, Beep, Emergencies and WeRide.
In this Article
AEye Wins Major OEM
AEye, Inc. (Nasdaq: LIDR), a leader in adaptive high-performance lidar, has secured a key OEM partnership to integrate its Apollo lidar systems into future transportation applications—an agreement projected to generate over $30 million in revenue within the next 24 to 36 months. Chosen for Apollo’s industry-leading ability to detect objects up to one kilometer away, AEye’s technology will help enhance early hazard detection and response times in critical safety systems. The selection marks a pivotal step in expanding lidar’s role in long-range, high-reliability sensing across global mobility platforms.
Beep Fully Autonomous in Jacksonville,
Beep, Inc. has begun operating NAVI, the first fully autonomous public transportation system in the U.S., in partnership with the Jacksonville Transportation Authority. NAVI runs a fleet of 14 ADA-compliant, electric Ford E-Transit shuttles along a 3.5-mile route through downtown Jacksonville, forming the first phase of the JTA’s Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C) program. Backed by a five-year operations and maintenance contract, Beep will manage the system from the new Autonomous Innovation Center. Simultaneously, Beep announced it has raised $52.7 million in new funding, co-led by Intel Capital and Blue Lagoon Capital, bringing its total to $97.7 million. Kevin Reid has been appointed CEO, replacing Joe Moye. The funds will support Beep’s national expansion and continued focus on scalable, autonomous public mobility solutions.
First Responders Unprepared for Autonomous Vehicle Emergencies
A new report from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute warns that Texas first responders are dangerously underprepared to handle incidents involving autonomous vehicles (AVs), many of which are already operating without human drivers. The study, First Responder Interactions with Automated Vehicles, identifies major gaps in training, emergency procedures, and communication protocols, urging immediate policy action.
Attorney Amy Witherite of the Witherite Law Group called the findings a serious safety concern, warning that traffic stops or crashes involving AVs could escalate without clear guidelines or support. While new state legislation set to take effect September 1, 2025, will require permits and emergency response plans from AV operators, Witherite said it’s just a start.
Among the report’s findings:
- No statewide training standards exist for police, fire, EMS, or tow personnel.
- Many responders don’t know how to identify AVs or reach an operator in emergencies.
- AVs often fail to respond to human signals at crash scenes.
- Manufacturers are not required to share safety protocols with emergency crews.
The report underscores that full responder readiness will take years, and calls on state lawmakers, transportation officials, and AV developers to collaborate urgently to protect both the public and emergency personnel as AV technology continues to evolve.
WeRide Expands Robovan W5 Testing in Guangzhou
WeRide has received its second active road testing permit for the Robovan W5, this time in Guangzhou’s Huangpu District, following earlier approval in Nansha. The milestone reflects both the vehicle’s technical readiness and the city’s broader strategic push for autonomous and electric mobility. Unveiled alongside a district-level policy framework to accelerate smart vehicle deployment, the Robovan W5 stands out with a 5.5m³ cargo volume, 1,000kg payload, and advanced Level-4 autonomous systems. Designed for high-frequency urban deliveries, it’s equipped with comprehensive safety features and adaptable cargo configurations. As the smart logistics market eyes $784 billion by 2030, WeRide positions itself as a key innovator in China’s fast-growing autonomous delivery landscape.