A popular robotaxi company targets Arizona for 2025 rollout
A popular robotaxi company plans to launch its first fully autonomous fleet in Arizona by the end of 2025. The company is already testing prototypes in the state and has submitted regulatory paperwork to expand operations into Phoenix and Tucson. Local officials say Arizona’s permissive AV laws, flat geography, and strong tech workforce make it an ideal proving ground. The rollout will initially include safety drivers but aims to progress toward full driver-out operations by mid-2026, pending NHTSA and state approval.
Read more: ABC15 Arizona
Florida police unveil “car-pug” patrol robot
In a headline-grabbing experiment, Florida police introduced a four-wheeled autonomous patrol unit nicknamed the “car-pug.” The robot combines camera vision, radar, and real-time communication tools to assist with traffic monitoring and patrol tasks in controlled environments. While it’s not intended for high-speed chases, the program highlights how law enforcement is beginning to integrate autonomous mobility systems for surveillance and logistics. Officials hope the project will free up officers for higher-priority duties while testing community comfort with police automation.
Read more: Futurism
Why Waymo isn’t operating in Washington, DC—yet
Although Waymo has been testing in several US cities, its highly anticipated Washington, DC launch is on hold. City regulators are still finalizing safety and data-sharing rules specific to dense urban traffic and event-heavy corridors. Waymo says it remains “committed to bringing the service to DC,” but must first navigate unique challenges such as diagonal road grids, unpredictable pedestrian patterns, and ongoing federal coordination requirements. The delay underscores how differing local standards continue to shape the national AV rollout.
Read more: NBC Washington
Austin startup secures new funding for fleet expansion
A fast-growing Austin-based autonomous vehicle startup has raised millions in fresh capital to expand testing and deployment across Texas. The company, which focuses on low-speed autonomous shuttles and urban delivery, says the funding will accelerate its push into mixed-use districts and university campuses. The new round comes amid renewed investor confidence in localized, service-specific AV solutions rather than broad, fully autonomous ambitions.
Read more: Austin Business Journal
GM debuts “eyes-off” mode with conversational AI integration
General Motors unveiled a prototype “eyes-off” self-driving system paired with Google’s conversational AI during a recent tech showcase. The integration aims to let drivers verbally interact with the car about route decisions, safety status, and vehicle health, blending automation with transparency. GM’s new system targets Level 3 functionality—allowing hands- and eyes-free driving in certain conditions—while keeping humans ready to intervene when necessary. The move represents the growing convergence of generative AI and autonomy, potentially redefining how drivers engage with semi-autonomous systems.
Read more: Yahoo Finance
