Sources cited by the Financial Times said robotaxis are only part of Atoms’ broader plans. Still, the company is reportedly building toward a larger presence in autonomous vehicles through both recruiting and acquisitions.
Uber could become an important commercial partner if those efforts progress. The ride-hailing company has worked with numerous autonomous vehicle developers rather than relying on its own self-driving system, creating a potential route for Atoms’ technology to reach Uber customers.
The connection is notable because Kalanick founded Uber before leaving the company in 2017. Uber later sold its self-driving operation in 2020 following years of losses and litigation involving former autonomy executive Anthony Levandowski.
Atoms has now acquired Pronto, the autonomous mining company founded by Levandowski. The deal adds existing autonomous vehicle expertise to the startup as it develops its broader strategy.
Levandowski previously served as Uber’s self-driving chief. He was convicted of stealing trade secrets and sentenced to 18 months in prison before receiving a pardon from President Donald Trump.
Pronto’s work is focused on autonomous mining vehicles rather than passenger robotaxis. Its acquisition nevertheless gives Atoms an existing operation in which autonomous systems are being deployed in commercial vehicles.
Kalanick has described the $1.7 billion financing as “unfinished business,” and the combination of the Pronto acquisition, planned hiring and reported Uber discussions provides more detail about what that could involve.
Atoms has not disclosed several elements that would define any eventual robotaxi business. There is no announced vehicle platform, launch city, regulatory strategy or detailed technical architecture. It is also unclear whether any arrangement with Uber would be exclusive.
Uber has not commented on the reported discussions.
Atoms would enter a market that already includes companies with active autonomous vehicle programs. Waymo operates paid robotaxi services in several U.S. cities, while Tesla has begun limited Cybercab operations and Zoox is operating in Las Vegas.
For Atoms, the immediate strategy appears to center on assembling autonomous driving capabilities while exploring access to Uber’s ride-hailing network. Whether those discussions develop into a commercial agreement will depend on technology and partnership details that neither company has disclosed.
This analysis is based on reporting from Yahoo FInance courtesy of TechCrunch.
Image courtesy of jurvetson.
This article was generated with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy and quality.
