Smart Cities Round Up - 1 NOVEMBER 2024

Connected and autonomous vehicle technology is rapidly advancing and expanding its presence in cities around the world, bringing transformative changes to urban transportation.

Waymo , the Alphabet-backed autonomous driving company, recently raised $5.6 billion in its latest funding round to broaden its operations . With this substantial investment, Waymo plans to expand its Waymo One ride-hailing service to more cities, including San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Austin, and Atlanta, alongside an enhanced partnership with Uber . This funding will also help Waymo continue developing its AI-powered autonomous driving system, the Waymo Driver, for various business applications beyond ride-hailing.

Meanwhile, Oxa , an autonomous vehicle technology firm, has unveiled its autonomous 福特 E-Transit van and minibus, now being tested on roads in both the UK and the US . Powered by Oxa’s self-driving software, these electric vehicles promise cost-effective, autonomous solutions for both goods delivery and passenger services, aligning with the global shift towards greener and more efficient urban mobility.

These advancements signal a future where autonomous vehicles play a central role in urban transportation, offering greater accessibility, sustainability, and convenience for city residents and businesses alike.

Luke Antoniou , Senior editor, SmartCitiesWorld

Here is a round up of our other News this week:

1. SmartCitiesWorld contributes to global cybersecurity report
2. Plans could unlock ￡100m funding for environmental projects
3. Collaboration aims to unify smart lighting data streams
4. UK’s BT Group powers mobile phone mast with renewables
5. Tallinn maps accessibility of public transport stops
6. Smart water solution deployed for Aegea in Brazil
7. San Diego launches climate action plan and online dashboard
8. Cities recognised for leading public-private collaborations
9. New York Power Authority boosts electric vehicle charging
10. Initiative aims to reinvent community resilience
11. World’s first electric hydrofoil ferry takes off in Stockholm
12. UK city launches partnership to collaborate on key areas
13. New partnership to drive multi-state sustainable innovation
14. Waymo raises $5.6bn to expand operations
15. Netmore expands LoRaWan footprint via acquisition
16. Oxa unveils autonomous Ford E-Transit van and minibus
17. EPA announces $3bn of investments in clean ports in the US
18. Blyncsy releases nationwide highway map of US roadway assets

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