In autonomous and self-driving vehicle news are Via, Waymo, Lyft, , Beep, ADASTEC, Electreon, ATLoS, TIER IV, Komatsu, EARTHBRAIN & WeRide.
In this Article
Via and Waymo Partner in Public Transit
Via and Waymo announced a strategic partnership that allows government agencies using Via’s transit software to integrate Waymo’s fully autonomous ride-hailing service into public transportation networks. Chandler, Arizona, will be the first city to deploy the model, incorporating Waymo vehicles into its Chandler Flex microtransit service this fall.
The collaboration aims to expand access to autonomous vehicles (AVs) for public transit riders, improving mobility, lowering operating costs, and enhancing safety. Waymo reports its vehicles are involved in 88% fewer injury-causing crashes than human drivers, while Via’s technology powers transit systems in hundreds of cities across more than 30 countries.
Chandler Flex, which has already provided nearly 120,000 rides, will use Via’s algorithms and scheduling engine to match riders to Waymo vehicles and dynamically adapt routes to passenger demand. City officials say the partnership will expand mobility options and set a model for other municipalities to follow.
Lyft and Waymo Autonomous Ride-Hailing- Nashville in 2026
Lyft and Waymo announced a partnership to deploy Waymo’s fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Nashville starting in 2026. Under the agreement, Lyft’s Flexdrive subsidiary will handle fleet management, including maintenance, charging, and depot operations. Riders will first access Waymo’s vehicles through the Waymo app, with integration into the Lyft platform expected later in 2026. The collaboration introduces a dynamic marketplace integration, allowing Waymo vehicles to be dispatched on both apps to maximize fleet utilization. Lyft will also build a dedicated AV fleet facility to support the service, marking a major step in scaling autonomous transportation to new markets.
Beep and ADASTEC Ally 4 Scalable Autonomous Transit
Beep, a U.S. leader in autonomous mobility services, and ADASTEC, a developer of SAE Level-4 automated driving software, have partnered to accelerate deployment of shared autonomous transportation. The collaboration combines Beep’s operational expertise and AutonomOS platform with ADASTEC’s flowride.ai software and advanced sensor suite to deliver factory-fitted, full-size automated buses. Designed for compliance with FMVSS and ADA standards, the joint solution targets municipalities, transit agencies, campuses, airports, and private communities. Initial deployments in Georgia and Florida will be announced later this year.
Electreon and ATLoS Wireless Charging to Industrial AVs
Electreon (TASE: ELWS) has signed a collaboration agreement with ATLoS, a Portugal-based autonomous vehicle manufacturer under the ProCME Group, to integrate wireless charging technology into AVs operating in industrial settings such as warehouses, logistics hubs, and manufacturing compounds. The partnership aims to eliminate manual charging and downtime by enabling vehicles to charge dynamically along fixed routes or statically at loading docks. The initiative represents a fusion of autonomous driving and wireless energy transfer, targeting 24/7 industrial automation across sectors like automotive, food and beverage, pharma, airports, and ports. The initial project will see Electreon provide hardware, software, and technical support for ATLoS vehicles at a client site, marking a step toward scalable, sustainable, and fully autonomous industrial mobility solutions.
San Francisco Grants Waymo Permit 4 AVs at SFO
San Francisco International Airport has signed a pilot permit with Waymo to begin testing and eventually launching autonomous vehicle passenger service between the airport and the city. The rollout will occur in three phases: supervised testing with safety drivers, driverless rides for Waymo and airport staff, and finally paid commercial service for passengers. Mayor Daniel Lurie said the move will boost tourism, expand modern transportation options, and support the city’s economic recovery. SFO officials emphasized that the partnership aligns with their goals of safe, reliable, and sustainable travel.
TIER IV, Komatsu, and EARTHBRAIN Autonomous Dump Trucks
TIER IV is collaborating with Komatsu and its subsidiary EARTHBRAIN to develop autonomous technology for articulated and rigid dump trucks used in civil engineering and quarry operations in Japan. The partnership combines TIER IV’s expertise in autonomous driving software, Komatsu’s construction vehicle engineering, and EARTHBRAIN’s digital fleet management capabilities.
The initiative will focus on Komatsu’s HM400 articulated dump truck and HD785 rigid dump truck, aiming for practical use starting in fiscal 2027. The system will integrate autonomous driving controls with a fleet management platform, enabling dynamic route optimization, improved safety, reduced fuel consumption, and enhanced haulage efficiency.
By automating dump truck operations, the companies seek to address labor shortages, improve worksite safety, and reduce environmental impact. Beyond civil engineering and quarry projects, the technology could be applied to steel mills, plants, and other industrial sites, with potential expansion to global markets in the future.
WeRide Gets Belgium’s 1st Test Permit for Autonomous Shuttle
WeRide has received Belgium’s first federal permit to test a Level 4 autonomous shuttle, making it the only company with autonomous driving permits in seven countries, including the US, China, France, and Singapore. The permit, signed by Belgium’s Minister of Mobility at the Autonomous Mobility Summit, authorizes WeRide’s Robobus to operate along an 8km Leuven–Heverlee loop in partnership with De Lijn, the City of Leuven, and Espaces-Mobilités.
Following initial supervised testing, De Lijn will launch a pilot service from November to January 2026, marking Belgium’s first commercial autonomous shuttle deployment in mixed traffic. Passengers will board via digital ticket, SMS, or subscription. WeRide says the milestone underscores its goal of achieving safe, fully driverless operations while accelerating AV adoption across Europe. The announcement comes as the company expands rapidly on the continent, with recent Robobus operations in France and Robotaxi pilots in Switzerland.