TechCrunch Mobility: The custom chip driving Waymo’s robotaxi ambitions
THE SO WHAT
Custom silicon for perception and planning means AV economics are shifting from cloud GPU rent to owned, optimized inference at the edge. If you’re building in autonomy, assume your competitors are collapsing their stack into hardware–software co-design and plan your roadmap and hiring accordingly.
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MORE FROM THE WIRE
Robotics & AutonomyUse a digital twin to explore automation before committing capital
Digital twins are becoming the default preflight for robotics capex—simulation-first lets you de-risk cell design, throughput assumptions, and integration before you pour concrete or sign with a systems integrator. If you’re scoping new automation, insist on a modeled version of the line and treat it as a living asset, not just a sales artifact.
Robotics & AutonomyA humanoid robot just beat Usain Bolt’s 100m record, and roboticists are unimpressed for good reason
A 9.39-second 100m on a known track is a demo of actuation and control, not a proxy for useful autonomy—folding laundry is still the harder commercial problem. For factories and warehouses, prioritize vendors showing reliability, safety, and manipulation in messy environments over headline-grabbing speed records.
Robotics & AutonomyHumanoid Robot Beats Usain Bolt’s 100m World Record in Beijing
A 9.39s humanoid over 100m is less about beating Bolt and more about how far actuator, control, and stability systems have come under competition pressure. If you run logistics, manufacturing, or defense programs, assume bipedal platforms will be viable for time-sensitive tasks sooner than your current automation roadmap reflects.
Robotics & AutonomyThe US Air Force wants its next generation of target drones to mimic stealth jets
High-fidelity stealth-mimicking target drones mean defense primes and autonomy shops can monetize simulation and countermeasure testing, not just strike capability. Dual-use teams in sensing, EW, and autonomy should expect more demand for 'red team in a box' systems that compress test cycles for next-gen aircraft.