The robotaxi race is on, but is it already over? After attending CES, Business Insider's robotaxi reporter, Lloyd Lee, came away with a strong conviction: one company is significantly ahead. Let's dive into what he discovered at the year's biggest tech showcase.
Lee, a seasoned observer of the robotaxi and emerging mobility scene, made his first foray into CES. He sat down with News Chief Steve Russolillo to share his insights. The core takeaway? The competition might not be as tight as some would have you believe.
Russolillo kicked off the conversation by asking about Lee's first impressions of CES. Lee responded that the event was massive and that the focus on automobility was striking. He even quoted Paul Costa, a 25-year Apple veteran now at Ford, who observed that CES has become as much a car show as it is a tech show.
Next, Russolillo inquired about the most impressive technology Lee encountered. Lee highlighted Hyundai Motor Group's booth, showcasing advancements in autonomy, including EV charging stations, robotaxis, robotic arms, and humanoid robots. He was particularly captivated by Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid robot, a Hyundai unit, describing its activation and standing as both terrifying and awe-inspiring.
But here's where it gets controversial... Russolillo then asked about Lee's experience test-driving two different robotaxi services. Lee revealed that his experience solidified his belief in Waymo's lead. He also noted the challenges in creating a profitable business model for robotaxis. Waymo's success, Lee explained, extends beyond just autonomous driving; it includes the operational aspects of fleet scaling and management.
And this is the part most people miss... Lee also discussed predictions from sources, including Chris Ahn, a principal at Deloitte specializing in software-defined vehicles. Ahn made some interesting points:
- Automakers won't all pursue full autonomy in the same way. Ahn suggested that automakers will need to tailor their autonomy levels to what their customers want and need. He used the example of an OEM deciding whether adding the cost of a LiDAR system is worth it for suburban families.
- Ahn foresees a convergence of emerging technologies. He anticipates that humanoid robotics, generative/agentic AI, and software-defined vehicles will merge, creating new roles in the industry.
Russolillo then asked Lee about any startups that stood out. Lee mentioned Vay, a German startup developing a driverless car rental service, as a contrarian voice in the driverless space. Vay's business model uses remote driving for a small portion of the driving experience, delivering cars to renters without a human driver.
Finally, Russolillo asked Lee how his CES experience would influence his tech coverage. Lee said he plans to address the uncertainties and ambiguities inherent in emerging technologies. He intends to write to the uncertainty, not through it, acknowledging and building stories around the unknowns.
What do you think? Do you agree with Lee's assessment of Waymo's lead? Are there any other companies you think are contenders? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
