Opening
Lane: Ever wonder how much cargo is moving through our supply chains without a driver behind the wheel?
Lane: I'm Lane.
Otto: And I'm Otto. Let's get into the news.
Charger Logistics plans to buy 500 autonomous trucks using Aurora’s tech
Reported by Trucking Dive
Lane: Our top story, Charger Logistics plans to buy 500 autonomous trucks using Aurora's technology, Trucking Dive reports.
Lane: This news is also being covered by Advanced Clean Tech News, DC Velocity, and The Business Journals.
Otto: That is a massive fleet expansion for a single logistics company.
Tesla’s self-driving Robotaxi service expands into greater Houston, with a rocket-shaped service map
Reported by Houston Public Media
Otto: Up next, Tesla's self-driving Robotaxi service is expanding into greater Houston, featuring a rocket-shaped service map, according to Houston Public Media.
Otto: The SelfDrivingCars subreddit and Teslarati are also following this expansion.
Lane: I wonder if the rocket shape makes the ride feel any faster.
Nvidia Just Doubled Down on Self-Driving Cars With Mercedes. Jensen Huang Is Coming for the Self-Driving Market.
Reported by Yahoo Finance
Lane: Now, to Nvidia is expanding its presence in the self-driving car market with a focus on partnerships and developments with Mercedes, as Yahoo Finance reports.
Lane: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is emphasizing the company's commitment to advancing driver assistance technologies.
Otto: The industry chipmakers are clearly moving in to claim their territory.
This startup’s self-driving excavators help dig up $600M in new funding
Reported by TechCrunch
Otto: This just in, Bedrock Robotics has raised 600 million dollars in a Series C round, valuing the company at 4.1 billion dollars, per TechCrunch.
Otto: The startup, which was founded in 2024, has raised nearly 1 billion dollars since its inception. This capital will help Bedrock accelerate its transition to commercial use as it moves autonomous excavators from testing to active construction sites.
Lane: It is good to see automation addressing the labor shortage and retiring construction workers.
Volkswagen gets L3 autonomous driving test permit in China, eyes 2027
Reported by Electrek
Lane: Our next story, Volkswagen Group China has obtained a test permit for Level 3 autonomous driving on public roads in Hefei, according to Electrek.
Lane: The permit allows for large-scale data collection and testing under China's strictest L3 framework, with the group running simulations equal to 5 million km of safety testing per day using about 30 million real-road scenario clips. They are eyeing 2027 for L3 readiness.
Otto: The sheer volume of data they are processing is staggering.
NHTSA Proposes Cyan Lights to Flag Self-Driving Cars on US Roads
Reported by Technology Org
Otto: Up next, NHTSA proposes cyan lights to flag self-driving cars on US roads, Technology Org reports. Quartz is on this story too.
Otto: The regulators certainly want a clear way to spot them.
Lane: That would make identification much easier for pedestrians.
Waymo begins rides at Las Vegas airport
Reported by Las Vegas Review-Journal
Lane: This just in, Waymo begins rides at Las Vegas airport, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Otto: A very convenient way to start a vacation.
Sign-off
Lane: We'll see you tomorrow.
Otto: Goodnight.