Mobileye, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, has announced plans to launch its own robotaxi service in a U.S. city by 2027. This move signifies a strategic shift from solely supplying self-driving systems to operating a fleet of autonomous vehicles.
The company intends to deploy an initial fleet of 100 autonomous vehicles, gradually increasing to approximately 17,000 robotaxis over the subsequent five years. While the specific city for the launch remains undisclosed, Mobileye’s CEO, Amnon Shashua, emphasized the transformative potential of the robotaxi industry and the company’s commitment to expanding its role within it.
Historically, Mobileye has been recognized for providing computer vision chips and advanced driver-assistance systems to various automakers. The company has also developed comprehensive self-driving systems, which are currently utilized by Volkswagen and its subsidiary, MOIA. By entering the robotaxi market directly, Mobileye aims to complement its existing partnerships and accelerate the adoption of autonomous mobility solutions.
To facilitate this new venture, Mobileye plans to establish a dedicated operating business for its robotaxi service. The fleet will be managed internally, leveraging Moovit, the transit and ride-hailing app acquired by Mobileye, to handle consumer interactions. Although the specific vehicle models for the fleet have not been confirmed, Mobileye has indicated collaboration with manufacturers of autonomous vehicle-ready platforms.
It’s noteworthy that Mobileye’s robotaxi ambitions are not entirely new. In 2018, Shashua highlighted the importance of the robotaxi business as a stepping stone toward achieving fully autonomous passenger cars. This latest initiative reflects Mobileye’s ongoing commitment to advancing autonomous driving technology and its practical applications.
By transitioning from a technology supplier to an operator, Mobileye is positioning itself to gain valuable operational experience and showcase the full potential of autonomous mobility. This move could also influence the broader industry, encouraging other technology providers to consider similar expansions into service operations.
