Travis Kalanick’s Atoms weighs entry into robotaxi market
The startup is reportedly preparing to hire staff and pursue acquisitions as it explores a broader role in autonomous vehicles.
Atoms, the startup founded by Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick, is reportedly considering entering the robotaxi market as it develops plans to expand its autonomous-vehicle operations.
The Financial Times, cited by TechCrunch, reported that Atoms is preparing to hire staff and pursue acquisitions that could strengthen its position in the industry. The report did not specify the scale, timing or focus of the potential expansion.
Atoms has also discussed its robotaxi technology with Uber, according to the Financial Times. The companies’ discussions, including any possible technology or commercial arrangement, remain unclear, and there is no confirmed commitment from Uber to deploy Atoms’ technology.
Uber has invested US$100 million in Atoms, a figure previously reported by TechCrunch. The startup announced a US$1.7 billion funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz earlier this year.
Atoms has also acquired Pronto, an autonomous-mining company led by former Uber self-driving chief Anthony Levandowski. Sources told the Financial Times that robotaxis are not the entirety of Atoms’ plans.
