Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility, the go-to source for transportation news and insights. Recently, Waymo has faced scrutiny regarding its remote assistance workforce stationed in the Philippines, following a congressional hearing that highlighted the broader implications of this practice in the autonomous vehicle (AV) sector. Waymo operates robotaxis in ten U.S. cities, yet the reliance on remote assistance workers is an industry-wide concern.
Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) has sent inquiries to seven autonomous vehicle companies, including Tesla and Waymo, seeking details about their dependency on remote workers. However, all companies have refrained from disclosing this information, prompting Markey to criticise their lack of transparency. Notably, Tesla admitted that its remote assistance staff can temporarily take control of vehicles if necessary—a point that raises further safety questions.
This matter appears far from resolved, as Markey is now urging the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to investigate these practices further and is planning legislative measures to enforce stricter regulations on the use of remote operators in AVs.
On another front, Uber’s recent acquisition of Berlin’s Blacklane, a luxury on-demand chauffeur service, signals its intention to penetrate the luxury travel market more deeply. This deal follows the launch of Uber Elite, a service aimed at premium customers.
In fundraising news, Manna Air Delivery secured $50 million for its drone delivery services, while Saronic Technologies raised $1.75 billion to advance its autonomous military vessels, reaching a valuation of $9.25 billion. Additionally, Voltify, a startup focussed on retrofitting diesel locomotives to battery power, raised $30 million from various investors, including Australian mining giant Fortescue.
Notable trends include Uber’s and WeRide’s launch of robotaxi services without a human operator in Dubai, as they enhance their foothold in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Waymo has expanded its robotaxi service to San Antonio International Airport and continues to grapple with challenges surrounding school bus interactions.
As the industry evolves, GM is enhancing its Super Cruise system, with plans for extensive testing on California and Michigan roads. Lucid Motors issued a recall for over 4,000 Gravity SUVs due to seat belt defects, while traffic fatalities in the U.S. dropped by 6.7% in 2025—marking a significant milestone in vehicle safety.
In terms of upcoming collaborations, the micromobility firm "Also," spawned from Rivian, is teaming up with DoorDash to develop autonomous delivery vehicles. Additionally, Toyota’s Woven Capital has appointed new executives to pursue mobility innovations.
To explore these developments further, you can listen to my podcast, Autonocast, which features insights from industry leaders, including DoorDash’s VP of Autonomy. This episode offers valuable context amidst the ongoing changes in the AV and transport landscapes.
Fanpage: TechArena.au
Watch more about AI – Artificial Intelligence
