Aurora Launches Driverless Trucking, Canoo Bankruptcy Update - TechCrunch Mobility

TechCrunch Mobility Update: Aurora Innovation's Successful Launch

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I'm Rebecca Bellan, stepping in as host today for Kirsten, and I’d like to focus on Aurora Innovation and their recent achievement.

Aurora's Autonomous Trucking Debut

Aurora had previously announced plans to initiate the first fully autonomous commercial trucking service in the U.S. this April, following a postponement from their initial 2024 target. Remarkably, Aurora successfully completed the launch with very little time remaining.

The company reports having transported freight over 1,200 miles this week between Dallas and Houston, serving initial clients Hirschbach Motor Lines and Uber Freight. Currently, this is being accomplished with a single vehicle.

Aurora intends to scale operations to include “tens of self-driving trucks” and broaden its service area to encompass El Paso and Phoenix before the close of 2025. This expansion will coincide with continued freight transport for customers utilizing their fleet of autonomously supervised trucks.

Industry Implications and Potential Challenges

This represents a significant milestone, not only for Aurora, but for the entire autonomous trucking sector.

However, given the current disruptions to many shipments caused by former President Trump’s tariffs, the question arises: is Aurora strategically positioned to capitalize on this opportunity, or might extended delays jeopardize its long-term viability?

Considerations regarding the impact of external economic factors are crucial as Aurora moves forward.

Aurora Launches Driverless Trucking & Canoo Bankruptcy Update

A noteworthy development has occurred in the autonomous vehicle sector. Aurora has initiated its driverless commercial trucking service, while a new contender has emerged in the bankruptcy proceedings of Canoo.

Aurora's Driverless Service Commences

Aurora is now actively operating a driverless trucking service. This marks a significant step forward in the company’s efforts to deploy autonomous technology for commercial transportation.

The service is currently focused on a specific route between Dallas and Houston, Texas. This initial deployment allows Aurora to gather real-world data and refine its autonomous system.

Canoo Bankruptcy Sees New Bid

The bankruptcy case of electric vehicle startup Canoo has taken an unexpected turn. A previously unidentified bidder has submitted a proposal to acquire the company.

This new bid introduces further complexity to the restructuring process. It potentially offers an alternative to existing proposals and could impact the future of Canoo.

Details on the New Bidder

While the identity of the new bidder remains undisclosed at this time, their entry into the process signals continued interest in Canoo’s assets. Further details are expected to be revealed as the bankruptcy proceedings progress.

The court will evaluate all submitted bids to determine the most advantageous path forward for Canoo and its stakeholders.

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Recent Developments in Defense Technology

AeroVironment, a prominent manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles, has finalized the acquisition of BlueHalo, a company specializing in space and defense engineering.

This transaction, valued at $4.1 billion and executed entirely in stock, establishes a newly formed defense technology entity, designated AV.

AV's Broad Capabilities

The combined capabilities of AeroVironment and BlueHalo will enable AV to develop technologies applicable across a comprehensive range of military operational environments.

These domains include air, land, sea, space, and cybersecurity, positioning AV as a versatile provider of defense solutions.

Funding for True Anomaly

True Anomaly, an aerospace startup concentrating on defense applications, has secured $260 million in Series C funding.

The investment round was spearheaded by Accel, a leading venture capital firm.

Focus on National Security

True Anomaly is dedicated to the creation of both spacecraft and associated software designed to support critical missions related to U.S. national security.

The company’s focus is on providing advanced technological capabilities for safeguarding national interests in the aerospace domain.

Recent Developments in Automotive Technology and Business

Advancements in Autonomous Vehicle Technology

A collaborative effort is underway between May Mobility and Uber to integrate autonomous vehicles into the Uber platform. Deployment is anticipated by the close of 2025, beginning in Arlington, Texas, as part of a long-term partnership.

Momenta, a Chinese autonomous vehicle company, is also partnering with Uber. Their plan involves launching robotaxi services on the Uber platform across Europe, scheduled to begin in 2026.

Waymo and Toyota are currently evaluating a potential collaboration. This could result in the development of a new self-driving vehicle intended for ride-hailing services and potentially for individual autonomous vehicle ownership.

Updates on Electric Vehicles, Charging Infrastructure, and Battery Technology

The bankruptcy proceedings of Canoo have taken an unexpected turn with a London-based investor requesting a halt to the sale of the company’s assets to its current CEO. The investor deems the sale process inadequate and has submitted a $20 million bid, exceeding the CEO Anthony Aquila’s offer of $4 million.

Rivian has proactively secured a substantial battery supply for its range of vehicles – trucks, SUVs, and commercial vans – both before and following the 2016 presidential election. This strategic stockpiling will mitigate the impact of recently imposed tariffs affecting the automotive industry.

Slate Auto, a new EV startup backed by Jeff Bezos, is considering a printing plant in Warsaw, Indiana, as the location for manufacturing its affordable electric truck.

Reports suggest that Tesla’s board of directors initiated a search for a successor to CEO Elon Musk, citing concerns that his recent activities have negatively impacted the brand’s value and profit margins. Tesla chair Robyn Denholm has refuted these claims.

Regarding Tesla’s board, member Joe Gebbia (also associated with DOGE) recently purchased approximately 4,000 shares of Tesla stock, valued at $1 million. This is a noteworthy event, as direct stock purchases by board members are uncommon.

Other Notable Industry News

Ford has discontinued its FNV4 software architecture initiative, a project previously considered crucial for competing with leading EV manufacturers like Tesla. This decision marks the end of several years of development aimed at vertically integrating vehicle software across Ford’s vehicle lines.

Joby Aviation has successfully transitioned its eVTOL aircraft from horizontal to vertical flight with a pilot onboard. This milestone is a critical step towards achieving FAA certification.

Developments in Ride-Hailing and Delivery Services

DoorDash is seeking to have a lawsuit filed by Uber dismissed. The lawsuit alleges that DoorDash is hindering competition through intimidation tactics directed at restaurant owners, pressuring them into exclusive agreements. DoorDash contends that the lawsuit is a deliberate attempt by Uber to deflect from genuine competition.