[241213] #Bot Auto #Luminar #May Mobility

1. Commercial Ops Debut Coming Fast for VNL Autonomous Truck

• Bot Auto has successfully completed hub-to-hub (H2H) driverless truck demonstrations in Houston, progressing from track testing to public road trials in less than three months.
• The company achieved disengagement-free runs on public roads with a small team of 45 and an initial investment of $16.5 million, showcasing its rapid innovation and efficiency.
• Bot Auto leverages open-source tools and advanced deep learning to maximize engineering efficiency and accelerate its development timeline.
• CEO Xiaodi Hou emphasized that the H2H demonstrations are a milestone rather than an endpoint, symbolizing the potential for rethinking autonomous driving technology in the AI era.
• The H2H route includes navigating surface streets, stop signs, traffic lights, and merging onto the I-10 highway west of Houston, demonstrating the real-world application of Bot Auto’s technology.
• Videos of the demonstrations are available, offering a glimpse into the future of autonomous transportation powered by Bot Auto’s cutting-edge solutions.

  

2. Uber Reportedly Investing in Autonomous Driving Firm Pony.ai

• Uber plans to invest over $10 million in Pony.ai’s upcoming IPO, which has been increased to 20 million depository shares with the potential to raise $260 million.
• Pony.ai’s IPO pricing was postponed due to regulatory questions but is expected to proceed next week.
• Uber may explore using Pony.ai’s technology for projects outside the U.S., following its history of collaborations with autonomous vehicle companies like Waymo and WeRide.
• Robotaxis, central to the autonomous vehicle vision, aim to provide safer roads, reduced congestion, and cost-effective transportation alternatives, though complete autonomy remains challenging.
• Advances in AI, sensor technology, and V2X communication are critical for achieving full autonomy, with companies like Waymo leading limited deployments.
• Andrew Smith, CEO of Outrider, highlighted the potential of automation to enhance supply chain resilience and sustainability in extreme conditions.

Uber plans a $10 million investment in Pony.ai’s IPO, signaling ongoing interest in autonomous vehicle technology and potential future collaborations.

3. Why Luminar Technologies’ Shares Are Getting Zapped Today

• Luminar Technologies (NASDAQ: LAZR) executed a 1-for-15 reverse stock split to avoid delisting from the Nasdaq Stock Market after receiving a compliance notice on Oct. 15.
• The reverse stock split, approved by shareholders on Oct. 30, took effect Wednesday evening, consolidating 15 old shares into one new share.
• Luminar’s stock dropped 10% on Thursday following the split, reflecting investor concerns as reverse splits are generally viewed as bearish signals.
• Year-to-date, Luminar’s shares have fallen approximately 80%, highlighting ongoing challenges for the lidar technology company.
• Reverse stock splits are used by companies to comply with Nasdaq’s requirement of maintaining a share price of at least $1 per share.
• The split indicates Luminar does not anticipate a near-term positive development that would have otherwise boosted its share price organically.

4. May Mobility to test driverless shuttles in Ann Arbor

5. Self-driving bus to hit the road in early morning from Tuesday

• A self-driving public bus, No. A160, will begin operating early mornings on weekdays between Dobongsan Station (northern Seoul) and Yeongdeungpo Station (western Seoul), starting Tuesday.
• The 26-kilometer route includes 87 bus stops, slightly shorter than the traditional No. 160 route, and accommodates up to 22 seated passengers with no standing allowed.
• The service will be free during the trial period, requiring commuters to tap transportation cards, with fares expected to start at 1,200 won ($0.90) in the second half of next year.
• The autonomous bus is part of Seoul’s integrated transfer system (hwanseung) and accepts the Climate Card, offering real-time seat availability and arrival information via Naver and Kakao.
• The initiative addresses a driver shortage, with plans to expand the service to three additional routes next year for early morning operations.