Cruise robotaxis return to the highway with security drivers

Cruise on Monday introduced its robotaxis will return to the highway for the primary time since final October, when the fleet was parked following an accident with a pedestrian in San Francisco.

The relaunch will happen in Phoenix, and solely two robotaxis might be in operation initially, in every case with a security driver behind the wheel.

Cruise began its service in Phoenix in 2023, and the corporate on Monday mentioned robotaxis will ultimately be deployed in different components of Arizona, together with Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler.

The corporate hasn’t mentioned when it is going to resume operations in San Francisco, the primary metropolis the place its robotaxi service was launched. The town can also be the placement of Cruise’s headquarters.

Cruise has been underneath additional scrutiny for the reason that accident, which noticed a feminine pedestrian thrown into the trail of one in every of its robotaxi after she was hit by one other automobile within the adjoining lane. The motive force of the opposite non-Cruise automobile fled the scene.

Cruise’s robotaxi braked exhausting to keep away from the impression however nonetheless got here into contact with the pedestrian. Following an preliminary cease, the robotaxi then continued for an additional 20 toes in try to drag over, which Cruise mentioned was completed to keep away from additional highway issues of safety. Nonetheless, the maneuver resulted within the robotaxi dragging the pedestrian.

The California DMV responded by pulling the allow that allowed Cruise’s robotaxis to function and not using a security driver. Cruise adopted by ceasing operations of its robotaxis nationwide. Firm co-founders Kyle Vogt and Daniel Kan, who on the time have been serving as CEO and chief product officer, respectively, give up the subsequent month.

Normal Motors is the most important backer of the self-driving know-how startup, and the automaker, which provides autos for Cruise’s robotaxi fleets, has mentioned it stays dedicated to the enterprise. GM alone has invested near $6 billion in Cruise for the reason that begin of 2020. Honda, Microsoft, and Walmart have additionally invested in Cruise.