Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

taxi

Lilium launches air taxi. Flying cars could take to the skies next

by

Flying cars have been around a long time, but only as test vehicles, often engineered and built by tinkerers who may have been seen as somewhat eccentric for even dreaming up such a machine.

But in the past couple of years, these “eccentric tinkerers” have been usurped by corporate bigwigs who maybe see a big market for the technology.

In the most recent development, a German company called Lilium has completed a successful test flight with its all-electric flying car.

[Read more…] about Lilium launches air taxi. Flying cars could take to the skies next

ZMP partners with Tokyo taxi operator to launch self-driving cabs for 2020 Olympics

by

ZMP’s RoboCar MiniVan, a self-driving Toyota Estima Hybrid car
A TV camerawoman films a laser scanner on ZMP’s RoboCar MiniVan, a self-driving Toyota Estima Hybrid car, after a joint news conference between ZMP and Hinomaru Kotsu in Tokyo, Japan June 15, 2017. Reuters / Toru Hanai

Japanese robotics maker ZMP has partnered with a taxi operator in Tokyo, as part of its plans to launch a self-driving taxi in the city in time for the 2020 Olympics, said CEO Hisashi Taniguchi.

Japan’s taxi industry, faced with a labour crunch due to an ageing population, has been looking at new technologies to drive growth. The sector may also have to deal with more competition in the future if the government allows ride-sharing services such as Uber to operate across the country.

“Autonomous taxis and the taxi industry can grow and prosper together,” Taniguchi told reporters, after announcing ZMP’s partnership with Hinomaru Kotsu.  [Read more…] about ZMP partners with Tokyo taxi operator to launch self-driving cabs for 2020 Olympics

nuTonomy raises $16m funding to develop self-driving car software

by

Startup company nuTonomy has raised $16 million is initial funding and plans to offer world’s first fully autonomous taxi service in 2018.

nuTonomy, a developer of software for self-driving cars, says it has completed its $16m Series A funding led by Highland Capital Partners.

The funding included significant participation from prior investors Fontinalis Partners and Signal Ventures. In Singapore, where nuTonomy has strong governmental support, the round included participation from EDBI, the dedicated corporate investment arm of the Singapore Economic Development Board. Samsung Ventures also participated in the Series A round.  [Read more…] about nuTonomy raises $16m funding to develop self-driving car software