However, the industry faces challenges, including public criticism and regulatory concerns, particularly around robotaxis. Several startups have struggled to continue funding their quest to develop heavy driverless trucks, leading to job cuts and closures. Truckers and labor unions have called for a ban on self-driving trucks due to safety and job loss concerns. Despite these challenges, companies like May Mobility and Aurora have managed to raise funds, and Stack AV has attracted investments from SoftBank.
Key takeaways:
- Despite setbacks and regulatory scrutiny, companies like Aurora and Gatik are making strides in driverless technology, particularly in trucks and shuttles operating on set routes.
- These companies have won large customers like IKEA and Walmart, and local governments, and are planning to expand their operations in the coming year.
- However, the autonomous trucking industry faces challenges, including funding difficulties, job loss concerns, and safety issues, which have led to legislative actions and public criticism.
- Despite these challenges, companies like Waymo are planning to introduce fully autonomous robotaxis to the public, indicating a continued push towards autonomous vehicle technology.