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Uber, Stellantis, Nvidia, and Foxconn Team Up for Robotaxi Launch
The robotaxi revolution is revving up again. After a period of industry consolidation, car companies are showing a renewed interest in self-driving cars, particularly robotaxis. In a notable move, Stellantis, the automotive giant behind brands like Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler, has announced a new collaboration with several tech leaders to launch its own robotaxi service. This partnership brings together a diverse group of companies, including Nvidia, Foxconn, and Uber.
How the Robotaxi Venture Will Work
The plan is straightforward: Stellantis will build the vehicles, Nvidia and Foxconn will integrate the self-driving systems, and Uber will incorporate them into its ride-hailing platform. Stellantis has indicated that its “AV-Ready” vehicle platforms, such as the K0 Medium Size Van and STLA Small, are designed for maximum flexibility, allowing them to accommodate multiple passengers. The anticipated start of production for these new vehicles is slated for 2028.
The Technology Behind the Wheel
The autonomous driving technology will be powered by Nvidia’s Drive AGX Hyperion 10 architecture, including its DriveOS software. While Nvidia’s role is clear, Foxconn’s contribution is less defined, with the press release only stating their collaboration with Stellantis on hardware and systems integration. Foxconn, known for manufacturing the iPhone for Apple, has also expressed its ambitions to enter the vehicle market. Uber plans to deploy the robotaxis in multiple markets globally, with the US as the initial launch point, starting with 5,000 vehicles. Further details regarding specific cities and timelines have yet to be disclosed.
The Players and Their Roles
This initiative highlights a trend of collaborative efforts in the autonomous vehicle space. Nvidia is also supplying its technology to other companies, including General Motors and Lucid. Uber has expressed its interest in incorporating various robotaxi brands, such as Waymo and Volkswagen, into its platform. Furthermore, Stellantis is working on Level 3 partial autonomy for several of its brands, including Jeep, and has a robotaxi agreement with Pony.ai. This multifaceted approach suggests a competitive yet cooperative environment as companies strive to lead in the autonomous driving sector.
Source: The Verge
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