Mobileye, a subsidiary of Intel renowned for its autonomous vehicle technology, has announced plans to launch its own robotaxi service in a U.S. city by 2027. This move signifies a strategic expansion beyond its traditional role as a technology supplier to automakers and mobility providers.
The company intends to deploy an initial fleet of approximately 100 autonomous vehicles, with plans to scale up to around 17,000 robotaxis over the subsequent five years. This initiative will involve Mobileye managing the fleet operations and leveraging Moovit, its transit and ride-hailing app, for consumer interactions.
Historically, Mobileye has been a key player in supplying computer vision chips and software for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to various automakers. The decision to operate its own robotaxi service positions Mobileye in direct competition with some of its existing clients, such as Volkswagen and its subsidiary MOIA, which utilize Mobileye’s self-driving systems.
Mobileye’s CEO, Amnon Shashua, emphasized that this new venture is an extension, not a replacement, of their existing partnerships. He highlighted the importance of gaining direct operational experience and showcasing the full potential of autonomous mobility through this initiative.
In 2018, Shashua indicated that pursuing the robotaxi business was a necessary step toward achieving fully autonomous passenger cars. This latest development aligns with that vision, aiming to accelerate the adoption of autonomous vehicles and contribute to the transformation of urban mobility.
By entering the robotaxi market, Mobileye is not only diversifying its business model but also positioning itself as a comprehensive player in the autonomous vehicle ecosystem. This move could potentially reshape industry dynamics, especially as the company balances its roles as both a technology supplier and a service operator.
