TechCrunch Mobility: Applied Intuition, Micromobility & Waymo

TechCrunch Mobility Update: Waymo and the Expanding Robotaxi Landscape

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Waymo's Operational Dynamics

While Waymo currently leads the commercial robotaxi sector, providing approximately 250,000 passenger trips weekly, its operations are not without challenges.

Recent events within the last week demonstrate the volatile nature of the emerging robotaxi industry. On June 13th, the company proactively restricted its service area nationally in anticipation of planned “No Kings” demonstrations opposing former President Donald Trump and his administration’s policies.

Service Expansion and Future Plans

Following this temporary adjustment, Waymo announced a significant expansion of its robotaxi service footprint, adding another 80 square miles across Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Silicon Valley.

Currently, Waymo is setting its sights on New York City, representing its most ambitious expansion to date. It’s important to note that deployment in NYC will be a long-term undertaking.

The company has submitted an application for a permit to conduct testing of its autonomous vehicles within the city limits. However, even with approval, initial testing will necessitate the presence of a human safety driver.

Regulatory Hurdles in New York

Full deployment of driverless vehicles – those operating without a human operator – will require amendments to existing New York state legislation. Increased lobbying efforts are anticipated to facilitate these necessary legal changes.

Now, let's review additional news from the mobility sector.

TechCrunch Mobility Newsletter

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Investment Highlights

Applied Intuition continues to garner significant investment, resulting in a substantial company valuation.

This prominent startup, specializing in software for autonomous vehicle development – including simulation and data management – has successfully secured $600 million in a Series F funding round and a concurrent tender offer. The investment was jointly led by BlackRock-managed funds and Kleiner Perkins, elevating the company’s valuation to $15 billion.

Additional investors in this round encompassed Qatar Investment Authority, Abu Dhabi Investment Council, Greycroft, and others. Existing backers, such as General Catalyst, Lux, Elad Gil, and Bond (Mary Meeker’s growth fund), also contributed.

It is worth noting that this funding arrives only twelve months after the completion of a $250 million Series E round, which previously valued the company at $6 billion.

Recent Investment Activity

Archer Aviation has secured an additional $850 million through a registered direct offering. This involved the sale of 85 million shares at a price of $10 per share.

The company highlighted that this capital raise followed a recent executive order issued by President Trump, initiating an eVTOL Integration Pilot Program within the United States.

Senra Systems, a startup located in Southern California focused on aerospace wire harness development, has raised $25 million in a funding round.

The round was co-led by a diverse group of investors including Dylan Field, co-founder and CEO of Figma; CIV, a venture capital firm; General Catalyst; Founders Fund (Peter Thiel’s firm); Sequoia Capital; 8VC (Joe Lonsdale’s firm); and Andreessen Horowitz.

This demonstrates strong investor confidence in the future of aerospace technology and specialized component manufacturing.

Micromobility

Previously, this publication featured a dedicated section focused on micromobility, reflecting its significant prominence. The industry experienced a phase of consolidation and reduced investment, prompting a period of maturation.

However, micromobility has not diminished in importance, leading to its reintroduction this week, with potential for future coverage. Reporter Rebecca Bellan recently facilitated a discussion with key industry leaders.

• Voi CEO Fredrik Hjelm, Bird co-CEO Michael Washinushi, and Dott/Tier CEO Henri Moissinac participated in a roundtable at the Micromobility Europe event held in Brussels.
• Shared micromobility has transitioned from being perceived as a public inconvenience to becoming a recognized and practical transportation option.
• Cities, such as Paris, are now issuing long-term contracts spanning four years, enabling operators to establish a more stable presence.
• Europe has demonstrated greater acceptance of micromobility compared to the United States. Washinushi estimates that North America is approximately 18 to 24 months behind Europe in integrating micromobility into its public transit systems.
• The companies that have successfully navigated recent challenges have emerged stronger and are now focused on achieving profitability and expanding their core market share.
• Bird, for instance, projects reaching positive free cash flow within the next 12 to 18 months.
• Operators are employing various strategies to achieve these goals. Voi is utilizing Large Language Models (LLMs) to convert user feedback into immediate and useful insights.
• Voi has also expressed interest in potential acquisitions, such as Bolt’s micromobility division, to strengthen its market position.
• All participating companies intend to increase the proportion of e-bikes within their fleets.
• Washinushi highlighted Bird’s commitment to leveraging data for optimal vehicle deployment, ensuring they are available in the right locations at the appropriate times.
• The CEOs emphasized the need for cities to enforce scooter limitations, regulate rider conduct, and develop dedicated infrastructure, including protected bicycle lanes.

Further Developments in Micromobility

Honda has unveiled the Fastport eQuad, a fully electric vehicle designed for last-mile delivery services.

The eQuad is available in two sizes, both built on a common platform. These vehicles are smaller than a Mini Cooper but offer a carrying capacity ranging from 320 to 650 pounds.

They incorporate pedals and have a maximum speed of 12 mph (20 kph), adhering to regulations that allow operation in bicycle lanes.

VanMoof has been revitalized and has introduced its first e-bike model following its recent bankruptcy proceedings. Reporter Rebecca Bellan provides an analysis of the changes and continuities within the new VanMoof.

Bellan also compiled a list of emerging startups originating from Europe’s early-stage micromobility sector.

Recent Developments in Transportation Technology

Self-Driving Technology

Zoox has inaugurated its initial, fully operational manufacturing plant. The facility is projected to eventually produce up to 10,000 autonomous vehicles, specifically robotaxis, annually.

Electric Vehicle News

Tesla is now collaborating with Electrify Expo to offer comprehensive weekend-long test drive opportunities for potential buyers. This represents a shift in Tesla’s marketing strategy, as they’ve traditionally favored alternative methods over traditional auto shows and expos for customer acquisition.

This partnership may also position Electrify Expo as a potential focal point for demonstrations by groups involved in the Tesla Takedown movement.

Car Sharing Security Incident

Zoomcar, a car-sharing platform operating in India, reported a data breach. A hacker successfully accessed the personal information of at least 8.4 million users.

Compromised data included names, phone numbers, and vehicle registration details. The company discovered the breach after employees received communications from a threat actor claiming access to their systems.

Innovations in Air Travel

The Paris Air Show featured numerous advancements within the broad field of “Future of flight.” While a complete overview is beyond the scope of this summary, several key announcements were made.

U.S. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy announced a collaborative effort between the Federal Aviation Administration and four other regulatory bodies to develop an advanced air mobility (AAM) roadmap.

Archer Aviation presented its Midnight aircraft and welcomed delegations from over 20 nations. Furthermore, Beta Technologies’ Alia aircraft achieved a milestone as the first electric plane to perform a flight demonstration at the show.