TechCrunch Mobility is back with all the latest updates on the future of transportation. After a brief holiday break, we are diving headfirst into 2026, where the world of mobility has seen significant advancements and developments.
The year kicked off with the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where a noticeable absence of U.S. automakers was observed. Instead, the convention center was filled with autonomous vehicle technology companies like Zoox, Tensor Auto, Tier IV, and Waymo, as well as Chinese automakers such as Geely and GWM. The spotlight was on “physical AI,” which integrates artificial intelligence with real-world applications like robotics, autonomous vehicles, drones, and industrial manufacturing.
Hyundai made a splash at CES with its exhibit featuring robots from Boston Dynamics and innovations from Hyundai Motor Group Robotics LAB. The focus on robotics, particularly humanoids, was evident throughout the event, showcasing the industry’s shift towards embracing advanced technologies.
The buzz around humanoids and physical AI was undeniable, prompting discussions about the real potential of these technologies. Mobileye’s acquisition of humanoid robot startup Mentee Robotics for $900 million further highlighted the growing interest in this field.
At CES, Nvidia launched Alpamayo, open AI models for autonomous vehicles, and showcased Uber’s new robotaxi developed in collaboration with Lucid and Nuro. The event was also marked by significant deals, such as Allegiant’s acquisition of Sun Country Airlines for $1.5 billion and Dealerware’s acquisition by a group of investors.
On the regulatory front, President Trump’s comments about welcoming Chinese automakers into the United States raised concerns within the auto industry. While Canada announced a reduction in import taxes on Chinese EVs, the implications of allowing Chinese automakers to operate in the U.S. remain a subject of debate.
As we move forward into 2026, the landscape of mobility continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements, regulatory changes, and strategic partnerships. Stay tuned for more updates on the future of transportation from TechCrunch Mobility.
Joby Aviation, a company focused on developing electric air taxis, recently announced the acquisition of a 700,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Dayton, Ohio. This strategic move is intended to support the company’s goal of doubling production to four aircraft per month by 2027. The specific details of the transaction were not made public.
Luminar has finalized an agreement to sell its lidar business to Quantum Computing Inc. for a reported $22 million. This deal may seem undervalued considering Luminar’s peak valuation of $11 billion in 2021. However, the terms of the sale were not disclosed.
Notable reads and other tidbits
Bluspark Global, a company based in New York specializing in shipping and supply chain software, recently discovered a vulnerability in its platform that allowed unauthorized access. Learn more about how this issue was resolved through the efforts of a security researcher and TechCrunch.
The Federal Trade Commission has issued an order prohibiting General Motors and its OnStar telematics service from sharing specific consumer data with consumer reporting agencies. Details of the order were not disclosed, but it marks a significant development in data privacy within the automotive industry.
InDrive, originally a ride-hailing platform that empowers users to set their own prices, is expanding its services to include a “super app” strategy. This includes increased in-app advertising across its top markets and the introduction of grocery delivery services in Pakistan. More information on these expansions is available in the full article.
Motional, an autonomous vehicle company majority-owned by Hyundai, has undergone a revitalization. Following a period of operational pause, the company has reemerged with a new AI-focused approach. Discover more about Motional’s renewed strategy through firsthand experiences and insights from CEO Laura Major.
New York governor Kathy Hochul is set to propose legislation that would legalize robotaxis across the state, excluding New York City. While specific details are yet to be revealed, the initiative aims to expand the existing autonomous vehicle pilot program to allow for the commercial operation of autonomous passenger vehicles outside the city. Stay tuned for further updates on this development.
Tesla has made changes to its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software, transitioning from a one-time fee model to a monthly subscription service. This shift in pricing structure reflects Tesla’s ongoing evolution in the autonomous driving space.
Wing, a company specializing in on-demand drone delivery, has expanded its partnership with Walmart to offer its services at an additional 150 stores. This collaboration signifies the continued growth and integration of drone technology in retail delivery services.
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