Zoox, Lyft, and International Motors expand pilot programs on autonomous vehicles and robotaxi services.
International Motors and PlusAI Launch autonomous truck pilot program in Texas
International Motors, in collaboration with automated technology developer PlusAI, has launched fleet testing with autonomous trucks equipped with PlusAI’s second-generation system. This initiative is part of a pilot program operating along Interstate 35 between Laredo and Dallas, Texas. The tests will include selected fleet partners and will be managed from International’s autonomous operations center located in San Antonio, according to the company.
The participating trucks will be equipped with the latest version of PlusAI’s SuperDrive platform. This version includes an upgraded onboard computer and a factory-installed sensor suite on International’s LT Series trucks, powered by the company’s integrated S13 powertrain.
The SuperDrive system has been developed using real-world driving data, according to PlusAI. Based on artificial intelligence models, the system is capable of adapting to new routes, varying driving conditions, and other environmental changes. Its multimodal sensor kit includes imaging radar, lidar, and cameras placed around the vehicle, enabling a 360-degree view of the tractor-trailer combination, with a strong focus on safety.
Through this pilot program, International aims to offer customers advanced technology in both software and hardware. The company emphasized that the fleet trials represent a key opportunity to gather user feedback and further refine its autonomous solution. The decision to move forward with this collaboration follows a strong quarter of truck sales for International.

Lyft begins autonomous ride testing in Atlanta
Transportation company Lyft Inc. has begun testing autonomous rides in Atlanta, with a safety driver on board. Starting September 10, Lyft is offering rides in a fleet of Toyota Sienna minivans equipped with autonomous driving technology developed by May Mobility Inc., the company announced in a press release. The initiative is part of Lyft’s strategy to position itself at the forefront of the competitive autonomous mobility market.
In this initial phase, the service will be available only during weekday morning and evening rush hours, with limited availability on weekend afternoons. The cost of autonomous rides will be similar to that of traditional Lyft rides with human drivers, according to a company spokesperson.
Lyft will evaluate user demand to determine a broader and more permanent operating schedule. The pilot program will also start with a limited number of vehicles and gradually increase as safety is confirmed and demand grows.
Both Lyft and May Mobility stated that all vehicles will have human operators on board during this initial phase. A full transition to driverless operation will follow once sufficient driving data has been collected to ensure safe performance.
Lyft plans to expand its autonomous ride services to additional U.S. markets starting next year, in partnership with new technology providers such as Mobileye Global Inc., backed by Intel Corp., and Austrian-based group Benteler.

Zoox launches robotaxi service in Las Vegas
Zoox, Amazon’s autonomous vehicle company, officially launched its robotaxi service in Las Vegas on September 10, offering free rides to those willing to bet on the future of autonomous transportation.
Initially, the service was limited to Zoox employees in Las Vegas, but it later expanded to family and friends, and more recently, to the general public. Anyone with the Zoox app can now request a ride to or from five company-designated locations, including Resorts World, the Luxor Hotel, and the New York-New York Hotel. These locations were strategically selected for their proximity, as the robotaxis currently operate on a route of approximately 5 kilometers.
Each robotaxi accommodates up to four passengers and will offer free rides during the first few months of the pilot program, as part of a promotional strategy in this popular tourist destination. Zoox stated that once it begins charging for rides, fares will be comparable to traditional taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft.
The company plans to manufacture up to 10,000 robotaxis per year as it expands into new markets. It currently operates a fleet of about 50 vehicles between Las Vegas and San Francisco, with most of them based in Nevada. After the commercial launch in San Francisco, Zoox expects to expand to other cities such as Austin and Miami.


In brief: autonomous deployment ramps up in key U.S. markets
Zoox, Lyft, and International Motors expand pilot programs on autonomous vehicles and robotaxi services. International Motors and PlusAI Launch autonomous truck pilot program in Texas

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