Waymo has entered into a partnership with B2U Storage Solutions to repurpose battery packs that are being removed from its autonomous vehicles. This initiative reflects Waymo's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the face of evolving technology demands. The deal aims to ensure that the decommissioned battery packs are utilized effectively, contributing to a circular economy and reducing waste. By collaborating with B2U Storage Solutions, Waymo seeks to enhance the lifecycle of its battery technology while addressing environmental concerns associated with battery disposal. The announcement comes as the company continues to refine its fleet and adapt to changing operational needs, signaling a proactive approach to resource management in the rapidly advancing field of autonomous transportation.
Waymo’s spent robotaxi batteries will be used as grid storage
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
Connecting Teams and Data: A Path to Better Decision-Making in Manufacturing
Manufacturers face challenges in decision-making due to siloed data and departmental priorities. Engineering, procurement, and operations often operate independently, leading to short-term focus over long-term strategy. To adapt to pressures like AI and electrification, companies must connect data across functions, enabling informed decisions that conside...
RobotToday Weekly Briefing August 31 – September 4, 2026
This week in robotics: NVIDIA agrees to buy Hugging Face for $12.93 billion, Figure signs a $3.5 billion compute deal with Nscale for up to 100,000 GPUs, Tesla launches steering-wheel-free Cybercabs in Austin under NHTSA scrutiny, and Uber and Wayve bring the UK its first autonomous rides. August 31 – September 4, 2026.
RobotToday Weekly
Data Collectors at JD Teach Robots to Live Like Humans Through Daily Activities
At JD's Robot Data Collection Center in Suqian, data collectors are teaching robots to mimic human activities such as cooking and scanning. This innovative approach transforms everyday actions into precise data points, essential for training embodied intelligent models. The center aims to collect over 10 million hours of quality data within two years, rec...
AI Data Collection Robotics
Lan Xiaohuan Discusses China's Data Economy, Robotics, and AI Landscape
Lan Xiaohuan, an economics professor at China Europe International Business School, has authored the bestselling book, How China Works: An Introduction to China’s State-led Economic Development. In his discussions, he highlights the economic factors contributing to China's significant trade surplus and advocates for an enhanced social safety net. Xiaohuan...
JD Cloud Pursues 'Physical AI' Vision from Airport Advertising to JDD Conference
JD Cloud is advancing its 'physical AI' initiative, which spans from advertising in airports to its annual JDD conference. This strategy focuses on integrating robots, embodied data, and home devices, marking a shift as AI technology transitions from digital screens into tangible real-world applications. This development is significant as it highlights JD...
Microsoft to Set Monthly Cloud Gaming Limits for Xbox Game Pass Subscribers Starting November
Microsoft's Xbox division announced that starting in November, Xbox Game Pass subscribers will face monthly limits on cloud gaming hours. This decision comes after years of offering unlimited access, as the company aims to balance usage with rising operational costs. Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will receive 15 hours of cloud gaming, while Premium and E...
Nscale Partners with Figure to Provide $3.5 Billion in AI Cloud Computing Capacity
Nscale has entered into a significant agreement to provide a minimum of $3.5 billion in AI cloud computing resources to the robotics startup Figure. This partnership not only enhances Figure's technological capabilities but also signifies Nscale's commitment to supporting innovative robotics solutions. The collaboration is crucial as it allows Figure to l...
Zoox and Waymo Accelerate Robotaxi Expansion in Competitive U.S. Market
Amazon.com, Inc.'s Zoox and Alphabet Inc.'s Waymo are intensifying their efforts in the robotaxi sector, with both companies expanding their testing and commercial services across multiple U.S. cities. Zoox plans to initiate testing in Houston and San Diego, increasing its operational presence to 12 locations, while Waymo is set to offer public rides in D...
Uber and Wayve Introduce Robotaxi Service in London to Rival Waymo
Uber and Wayve have launched a new robotaxi service in London, aiming to compete with Waymo's autonomous vehicle offerings. This initiative addresses the unique challenges posed by London's centuries-old road infrastructure, which differs significantly from the environments in Los Angeles and San Francisco. The introduction of this service is significant ...
Uber Launches First Robotaxi Service in London, Outpacing Waymo
Uber has successfully launched the first commercial robotaxi service in London, surpassing Waymo in this milestone. The service utilizes autonomous driving technology developed by Wayve, a UK startup, and will initially include human safety drivers in the vehicles. This launch marks a significant step for Uber as it explores the demand for driverless ride...
Autonomous Cars News Ride-sharing
Waymo Expands Robotaxi Service to Denver, San Diego, and Tampa, Increasing Fleet Size
Waymo has launched its robotaxi service in Denver, San Diego, and Tampa, marking the company's expansion to 14 U.S. cities. The rollout will occur gradually, inviting riders over time while increasing the fleet of self-driving vehicles, which now exceeds 4,000 units, including Jaguar I-Pace hatchbacks and the new Ojai minivan. This expansion is significan...
Transportation autonomous vehicles Waymo
Waymo Launches Paid Robotaxi Services in Denver, San Diego, and Tampa
Waymo is set to introduce paid robotaxi rides in Denver, San Diego, and Tampa, Florida. This expansion increases the total number of U.S. cities with access to its driverless ride-hail service to 14. The move is significant as it demonstrates Waymo's commitment to scaling its autonomous vehicle technology and enhancing urban mobility options. By entering ...
Waymo
United States
Alphabet's autonomous driving subsidiary operating Waymo One robotaxi service across 10 US cities with 500,000+ weekly rides.
Didi Chuxing (CN)
China
Didi Chuxing is a Chinese ride-hailing platform that has expanded into autonomous vehicle research and development. The company operates a large-scale mobility service network and invests in self-driving technology.
Drone Delivery Canada
Canada
Operates the FLYTE proprietary platform for automated cargo UAS, with integrated air traffic management and DroneSpot depots for medical and commercial use.
Duckietown Robotics
United States
Educational robotics platform provider offering autonomous vehicle kits and AI curricula used by 250+ universities worldwide.
Datanomix
United States
No-Operator-Input production monitoring software that turns CNC machine data into real-time visibility and prescriptive coaching for manufacturers.
Data Science Automation, Inc.
United States
Pittsburgh-area automation systems integrator since 1993; NI Select Partner; 3,000+ solutions across manufacturing, R&D, government, and test automation.
Anyscale
United States
Anyscale is a San Francisco AI infrastructure firm behind Ray, the open-source engine for large-scale model training; Nscale agreed to buy it for $1.65B.
ADEK Industrial Computers
United States
US-based industrial PC manufacturer building custom rugged rack-mount, panel, and embedded computers for robotics, SCADA, and HMI applications since 1993.
Aichi Robot Industrial Promotion Council
Japan
Japanese industry council promoting robotics development and diffusion in Aichi Prefecture, one of Japan's largest robot manufacturing hubs.
Arctek Robótica Industrial
Brazil
Brazilian industrial robotics system integrator in Curitiba, Parana, specializing in robotic welding, automated handling, palletizing, and custom automation.
Total Logistics System Co., Ltd.
Japan
Japan-based logistics company providing fulfillment, shipping, transportation, and logistics processing services with a nationwide distribution network.
Bastian Solutions, a Toyota Automated Logistics company
United States
US material handling systems integrator founded in 1952, delivering warehouse automation, AGVs, AMRs, conveyors, and Exacta supply chain software.
E-COBOT
France
French AMR manufacturer and system integrator offering the HUSKY robot range and MyCobot fleet management software.
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