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The transportation sector, like many others, is seeing AI redefine job roles, creating opportunities for some while leading to the loss of others.
For instance, General Motors recently [laid off over 10% of its IT staff](https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/11/gm-just-laid-off-hundreds-of-it-workers-to-hire-those-with-stronger-ai-skills/), about 600 employees, in exchange for AI talent. This shift results in a net job loss as GM seeks to bring in staff skilled in AI-native development, data engineering, and more, focusing on designing and building AI frameworks rather than merely using them.
The automotive industry’s AI-related job cuts are notable. CNBC [reported](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/15/general-motors-ford-stellantis-job-cuts-ai.html) that Ford, GM, and Stellantis have reduced their U.S. salaried workforce by over 20,000 jobs, or 19% since recent peaks.
Despite the heavy investment in AI, some companies are still figuring out its practical applications. Yet, companies like Samsara highlight potential revenue paths. Originating as a camera provider for trucks, Samsara used its amassed data to develop a model capable of [detecting potholes](https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/12/potholes-cost-cities-millions-samsara-using-ai-trucks-fix/), now used by cities like Chicago.
**A little bird**
No updates this week, but stay tuned for future news. Reach out to us anytime for insights or tips.
Email Kirsten Korosec at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or via Signal at kkorosec.07, or contact Sean O’Kane at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).
**Deals!**
Rivian’s spinoff, **Mind Robotics**, [raised $400 million](https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/13/rivian-spinoff-mind-robotics-raises-another-400m/) shortly after a $500 million round. RJ Scaringe’s ventures have secured $12.3 billion in investments, not including Rivian’s IPO or strategic deals with Volkswagen and Uber.
Read more on this [here](https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/15/rj-scaringe-has-raised-more-than-12-billion-across-three-startups-and-investors-still-want-more/).
Other notable deals include:
– **Arkeus** raised $18 million for its autonomous drone software in a Series A led by QIC Ventures.
– **Aseon Labs** emerged from stealth backed by Y Combinator.
– **Rapido** raised $240 million led by Prosus, valuing the company at $3 billion.
– **Quantum Systems** is in talks to raise €600 million from investors like Airbus and Blackstone.
**Notable reads and other tidbits**
– [Redwood Materials IPO readiness?](https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/11/too-early-to-talk-ipo-for-redwood-materials-incoming-cfo-says/) Interview with CFO Deepak Ahuja by Sean O’Kane.
– Tesla Robotaxis have experienced [crashes](https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/15/tesla-reveals-two-robotaxi-crashes-involving-teleoperators/) under teleoperation.
– Uber expands in India with new engineering campuses and data center support.
– Waymo’s fleet updated to better [handle flooding](https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/12/waymo-issues-recall-to-deal-with-a-flooding-problem/), though challenges remain.
**One more thing …**
Our annual tech conference Disrupt will occur in October, featuring six stages, including the **AI in the Real World Stage** focused on robotics, autonomous systems, and more. Read about it in more detail [here](https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/13/introducing-the-6-stages-of-techcrunch-disrupt-2026-built-for-todays-tougher-startup-market/).
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