In autonomous and self-driving vehicle news are Waymo, Tesla, TIER IV, Onsemi and
GlobalFoundries.
In this Article
Waymo Robotaxis Block Traffic During SF Power Outage
During a widespread power outage in San Francisco caused by a substation fire, tens of thousands of residents lost electricity and traffic signals went dark. The blackout disrupted normal road infrastructure, leaving intersections without working lights and creating confusion for both human drivers and autonomous vehicles. The outage affected hundreds of traffic signals across the city, severely complicating navigation for all road users.
Waymo’s fleet of autonomous ride‑hailing vehicles struggled under these conditions. Many robotaxis became immobilized at intersections or stalled on roadways with hazard lights on, unable to interpret the nonfunctioning traffic infrastructure. Frozen Waymo vehicles blocked intersections and contributed to traffic congestion as human drivers attempted to navigate around them.
In response, Waymo temporarily suspended its robotaxi service citywide to ensure safety and emergency access. Emergency personnel managed traffic manually while utility crews worked to restore power.
Tesla Begins Unsupervised Robotaxis in Austin
Tesla has begun testing its robotaxis on public roads in Austin, Texas, without human safety monitors or drivers onboard, marking a major step toward fully autonomous operation. The tests, confirmed by CEO Elon Musk, involve vehicles operating without passengers and are not yet part of a commercial ride-hailing service. The move has drawn both investor enthusiasm and renewed scrutiny as Tesla advances its plans for a driverless robotaxi network.
TIER IV Invests in Turing Drive
TIER IV, a leader in open-source autonomous driving software and the developer of Autoware, has invested in Taiwan-based startup Turing Drive, forming a capital and business alliance to advance autonomous driving technology and expand global operations. The partnership focuses on low-speed and geofenced autonomous driving applications, including airports, factories, ports, and commercial complexes.
Turing Drive, a member of the Autoware Foundation since September 2024, brings field-proven expertise and real-world deployment experience across Taiwan, Japan, and other parts of Asia. Through this alliance, TIER IV plans to integrate Turing Drive’s operational know-how into its Pilot.Auto platform to enhance performance in closed and controlled environments, while strengthening its footprint in Taiwan and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Both companies aim to accelerate the commercialization of safe, practical, and scalable autonomous mobility services.
Onsemi and GlobalFoundries Partner to Develop GaN Power Devices
Onsemi has partnered with GlobalFoundries to develop gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductors using GlobalFoundries’ 200mm eMode GaN-on-silicon process, beginning with 650V devices. The collaboration aims to expand Onsemi’s portfolio with high-voltage solutions for AI data centres, electric vehicles, renewable energy, and aerospace applications. By integrating GlobalFoundries’ GaN platform with Onsemi’s silicon drivers, controllers, and advanced packaging, the partnership seeks to deliver devices with higher power density, efficiency, and reduced system size. Samples are expected in the first half of 2026, and the technology promises benefits such as higher-frequency operation, bidirectional capability, and integrated functionality, enabling more compact and efficient power systems across multiple industries.