In autonomous and self-driving vehicle news are Qualcomm, BMW, Waymo, Carteav, AEye, Flasheye, Pony.ai, Mowasalat, Valeo, Momenta and NHTSA.
In this Article
Qualcomm and BMW Launch Snapdragon Ride Pilot
Qualcomm Technologies and BMW Group have unveiled Snapdragon Ride Pilot, an advanced automated driving system developed over three years and powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Ride™ SoCs and co-developed software stack. Debuting globally in the new BMW iX3, the system supports automation levels from NCAP to Level 2+ highway and urban navigation, with validation in over 60 countries and planned expansion to 100+ by 2026. The collaboration, involving more than 1,400 specialists worldwide, aims to set a new benchmark in intelligent and safe driving while offering the technology to global automakers and Tier-1 suppliers.
The Snapdragon Ride AD software stack integrates a 360-degree camera-based perception system, low-latency fusion of camera and radar data, advanced AI-driven behavior planning, and robust safety compliance with ASIL, SOTIF, and cybersecurity standards. Its modular design supports automaker customization, over-the-air updates, and scalable deployment across vehicle segments. The system leverages real-world and AI-generated simulation data to continuously improve, while offering multiple layers of encryption, dynamic pricing support, and integration with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Ride SDK for flexible implementation.
In BMW’s Neue Klasse iX3, Snapdragon Ride Pilot powers advanced features such as contextual lane changes, hands-free highway driving, V2X-enabled collision avoidance, and intelligent parking assistance. The system’s “Superbrain” central computer delivers 20 times the computing power of its predecessor, enabling precise mapping, GNSS localization, and seamless sensor integration. Qualcomm and BMW’s partnership underscores a shared vision of smarter, safer mobility and is poised to influence the global adoption of automated driving technologies across multiple vehicle tiers.
Alarms Over Autonomous 18-Wheelers
Attorney and traffic safety advocate Amy Witherite, with more than three decades of experience in trucking safety cases, is renewing her warning that autonomous 18-wheelers pose serious risks on U.S. highways. She argues that without strict federal safety standards, the rollout of these 80,000-pound machines alongside passenger vehicles is both premature and reckless. “The delay proves what many of us feared—autonomous trucks are not ready, and the public is being used as the test track,” Witherite said.
Her concerns are now echoed by short sellers, industry analysts, and even original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Kerrisdale Capital labeled Aurora Innovation’s model a “fantasy,” predicting years of losses, while Bleecker Street Research questioned the company’s highly publicized Dallas-to-Houston driverless route, calling it a “PR stunt.” Despite Aurora’s claims, its trucks still operate with safety drivers, and PACCAR recently requested a human “observer” remain in the front seat during initial operations. Volvo, another key player in the autonomous trucking sector, stated it would not remove safety drivers until all risks are thoroughly assessed.
Economic factors also cast doubt on the technology’s near-term viability. Driver wages make up 35–40% of operating costs, yet autonomous trucks still require drivers for first and last mile tasks. Moreover, the trucks are projected to cost about 50% more than their traditional counterparts. Witherite and others are calling on federal regulators to implement enforceable testing and safety standards before allowing widespread deployment, warning that premature adoption could gamble with public safety.
Waymo Expands to Denver
Waymo is set to launch its autonomous vehicle operations in Denver this fall, laying the foundation for a future fully autonomous ride-hailing service in the Mile High City. The initial deployment will feature a mixed fleet consisting of Jaguar I-PACE vehicles equipped with the 5th-generation Waymo Driver and Zeekr RT vehicles powered by the 6th-generation Waymo Driver. Drawing on years of operational experience in winter conditions across Michigan, upstate New York, and the Sierra Nevada, Waymo’s next-generation system is engineered to perform reliably in harsher climates.
As part of its expansion, Waymo is collaborating closely with city and state officials while forming partnerships with local communities. Colorado Governor Jared Polis welcomed the initiative, stating, “I’m excited to help Coloradans get where we want to go faster, safer, with additional transportation options. Our state is driven by innovation, and the arrival of Waymo’s autonomous vehicle technology in Denver is a step forward. We welcome Waymo to Colorado.”
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential benefits of the service for residents. “Whether they need a ride to work, school, the farmer’s market, or they’re heading out for a night on the town, Waymo is a great way for Denverites to get where they’re going safely,” Johnston said. “Waymo’s innovative, climate-friendly technology will not only make our streets safer but cleaner, and I can’t wait for my first ride.”
Carteav Autonomous Shuttle Service at Ramat Gan National Park
Carteav has officially launched its autonomous low-speed electric vehicle service in Ramat Gan National Park, Israel’s second-largest national park. The initiative, in collaboration with the City of Ramat Gan, offers a fixed-route shuttle with designated stops to improve accessibility for all visitors—particularly the elderly and those with mobility challenges.
The autonomous shuttle operates safely alongside pedestrians and cyclists, demonstrating how self-driving technology can integrate seamlessly into busy public spaces. As registration grows, the service will evolve into a flexible on-demand model, offering greater convenience and adaptability.
Mayor Carmel Shama HaCohen emphasized the city’s commitment to AI-driven innovation and sustainable mobility, while Carteav CEO Avinoam Barak highlighted the technology’s potential for broader applications in parks, campuses, retirement communities, and other pedestrian-oriented environments. The project’s success has already sparked interest from other municipalities locally and abroad.
AEye Partners with Flasheye
AEye, Inc. (Nasdaq: LIDR) has formed a strategic partnership with Flasheye, integrating its real-time 3D perception software into AEye’s new OPTIS™ lidar platform. This collaboration creates a full-stack 3D visual awareness system capable of detecting and analyzing objects in real time across diverse applications, including infrastructure, transportation, and safety.
The combined system leverages AEye’s ultra long-range, software-definable lidar with Flasheye’s perception engine, enabling detection of objects at distances of up to one kilometer. Initial deployments are already underway in airport safety, transportation logistics, and perimeter security, positioning the partnership as a key enabler for scalable, intelligent sensing solutions.
Pony.ai Partners with Mowasalat
Pony AI Inc., a global leader in autonomous mobility, has partnered with Mowasalat (“Karwa”), Qatar’s largest transportation provider, to begin deploying autonomous vehicles on Doha’s roads. The collaboration marks a significant expansion of Pony.ai’s Middle East operations, which already include Dubai, and aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 to advance sustainable, innovative transport infrastructure.
Initial testing, now underway with safety operators on board, focuses on adapting Pony.ai’s technology to Qatar’s climate, road networks, and traffic patterns. The partnership aims to create a scalable, resilient Robotaxi service, leveraging Mowasalat’s local expertise and Pony.ai’s advanced autonomous driving stack.
Mowasalat CEO Eng. Ahmed Hassan Al-Obaidly highlighted the project as a continuation of the company’s successful transport innovations from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, while Pony.ai CEO Dr. James Peng emphasized the milestone as part of the company’s vision for “autonomous mobility everywhere.”
Valeo and Momenta
Valeo, a global leader in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), has signed a strategic long-term partnership with Momenta, a prominent autonomous driving company, to jointly develop mid- to high-level Intelligent Assisted Driving and Autonomous Driving solutions for China and international markets.
The collaboration combines Valeo’s comprehensive ADAS hardware and software portfolio—including cameras, radar, LiDAR, and AI-driven controllers—with Momenta’s reinforcement learning–based autonomous driving model, already deployed in over 400,000 production vehicles worldwide. Together, they aim to co-develop cutting-edge system-level solutions offering full lifecycle support: from product development and integration to continuous software updates.
Marc Vrecko, CEO of Valeo’s Brain Division, emphasized China’s leadership in the ADAS market, while Momenta CEO Xudong Cao highlighted the partnership’s potential to enhance the performance, scalability, and competitiveness of intelligent driving technologies globally. The companies are already in talks with multiple OEMs and have secured commitments from four automakers in China to advance next-generation intelligent mobility.
NHTSA to Modernize Safety Standards for Autonomous Vehicles
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is initiating three rulemakings to update decades-old Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) to better accommodate vehicles equipped with automated driving systems (ADS).
The proposed changes, part of the Automated Vehicle Framework, aim to remove outdated requirements designed for human-driven vehicles, streamline regulations, and create a single national standard to foster innovation while maintaining safety. The rulemakings will address:
- FMVSS No. 102: Transmission controls and starter interlocks
- FMVSS Nos. 103 & 104: Windshield defrosting, defogging, and wiper systems
- FMVSS No. 108: Lamps and reflective devices
Transportation Secretary Duffy emphasized that updating these standards is key to ensuring the U.S. leads in autonomous mobility innovation, while NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser noted the changes will help reduce costs and enhance safety.
This initiative complements recent steps to streamline Part 555 exemptions, allowing manufacturers to deploy up to 2,500 noncompliant AVs annually as the industry transitions toward broader commercial deployment.