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Uber is now heavily involved in autonomous vehicles. After selling its Uber ATG unit in 2020 to focus on delivery and ride-hailing, Uber has forged numerous global partnerships, including with Wayve. Recently, Uber announced a new partnership with Rivian, investing $300 million and purchasing 10,000 R2 robotaxis for San Francisco and Miami by 2028. The deal could reach $1.25 billion, with Rivian assuming most of the risk. Rivian is yet to produce the R2 SUV or test its self-driving system, and has delayed its 2027 profitability goal due to autonomy efforts.
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A little bird shared that Uber’s discussions with Rivian might have been lengthy. RJ Scaringe’s strategic foresight is noteworthy!
Have a tip? Contact Kirsten Korosec at [email protected] or Sean O’Kane at [email protected].
Deals!
Nvidia has invested in autonomous vehicle technology, partnering with automakers like Hyundai, Geely, and Nissan. The pace of Nvidia’s deals is remarkable, with Huang highlighting the significant impact.
Other notable deals: Advanced Navigation raised $110 million. Arc Boat Company secured $50 million. BusRight raised over $30 million. Jeff Bezos is raising $100 billion for AI-driven company transformations. Amazon acquired Rivr. Trevor Milton seeks $1 billion for AI-powered planes. Zenobē Energy bought Revolv.
Notable reads and tidbits: A cyberattack on Intoxalock stranded drivers in the U.S. Kodiak expanded operations along the Dallas-El Paso corridor. NHTSA intensifies its inquiry into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving software.
One more thing …
Check out my interview with Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe. He shares insights on industrial robotics, emphasizing the role of robotic hands over complex motions. His new startup, Mind Robotics, aims to revolutionize this industry. Read the interview here.