In autonomous and self-driving vehicle news are Gatik, Waymo, Uber, ACM, Helm.ai and Horizon Robotics.
Gatik TÜV SÜD Validation of Autonomous Vehicle Safety Framework
Gatik, a leader in autonomous middle-mile logistics, has completed and independently validated two core components of its Safety Assessment Framework: the Safety Case Evaluation and Functional Safety. These validations, conducted by TÜV SÜD—a global expert in autonomous system safety—mark a major step toward launching Gatik’s Freight-Only commercial operations later this year.
Unlike industry norms that rely on self-certification, Gatik’s process underwent rigorous third-party evaluation, ensuring transparency and compliance with globally recognized safety standards. TÜV SÜD’s review covered all critical safety elements, including Operational Design Domain, Hazard Analysis, and Safety Culture, aligning Gatik’s system with the Autonomous Vehicle Conformity Framework and UL4600 standards.
Gatik’s safety portfolio includes over 700 components addressing cybersecurity, vehicle integrity, and engineering quality. The company will continue to share public updates as it prepares for the full-scale deployment of its autonomous freight services.
Waymo Atlanta Waitlist Opens for Uber Robotaxi
Waymo has begun accepting waitlist sign-ups for its autonomous ride-hailing service in Atlanta, expanding its partnership with Uber as it continues its steady rollout across U.S. cities.
Users of the Uber app can now request early access to the self-driving robotaxis, which will operate across a 65-square-mile service area that includes Downtown, Buckhead, and Capitol View. Waymo noted that “select riders” who join the waitlist may be granted access to rides ahead of the broader public launch.
The move follows Waymo’s recent debut in Austin, where the service was also introduced exclusively through the Uber platform. The Alphabet-owned company continues to position its autonomous vehicles as a complement to traditional ride-hailing, offering select users a glimpse into what it calls the future of urban mobility.
Concerns of High-Speed Driverless Trucks on Texas Highways
Attorney and traffic safety expert Amy Witherite has raised serious concerns about driverless trucks being tested at speeds of up to 75 miles per hour on public highways across Texas and surrounding regions. The routes include Dallas to Houston, Fort Worth to El Paso, and Phoenix to El Paso.
According to the Aurora Driverless Safety Report, these autonomous vehicles typically cruise at 65 mph but can reach 75 mph while merging or passing. Witherite warns that these vehicles are still in the testing phase and should not be operating alongside the general public on open roads. She suggests testing should occur in simulators or on closed courses, where potential risks to other motorists are eliminated.
A regulatory gap also exists, as current federal vehicle safety standards were written before the rise of automated systems. Even the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association has acknowledged that only the federal government can create uniform regulations for the design and performance of autonomous vehicles.
Witherite questions whether it is appropriate to allow self-driving trucks on Texas roads in the coming months without further controlled testing. She emphasizes the importance of ensuring public safety before rolling out emerging technologies that are still under evaluation.
ACM SAFE Demo CAV & ADAS Day 6/6
The American Center for Mobility (ACM) is excited to host its annual “SAFE” Demo Day on Friday, June 6, 2025. This dynamic event will showcase the latest innovations in vehicle mobility, with a focus on Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
Held at ACM’s world-class proving grounds, the day will feature live demonstrations showcasing advanced CAV and ADAS technologies in real-world driving environments, tested against the latest standards. Industry leaders and partners will demonstrate how these systems are shaping the future of transportation by improving the safety of all road users. One of this year’s most compelling live demonstrations at ACM’s proving grounds features Michigan Technological University (MTU) showcasing a real-world application of CAVs, ADAS, and V2X communications. MTU will present its open CAV platform for development and participate in a mixed reality AV demonstration as part of the DOE ARPA-E NEXTCAR initiative.
The ACM powered by MTU team and partners will demonstrate a range of ADAS testing capabilities including a heated target with IR detection, NCAP ADAS VRU scenarios in collaboration with AB Dynamics, and heavy-duty vehicle-to-car AEB testing.
Additional exhibitors and demonstration partners will be announced leading up to the event.
Registration is $100 and includes lunch. https://cvent.me/RDkdWg.
Helm.ai Vision-Only Path Prediction System AVs
Helm.ai has launched Helm.ai Driver, a real-time transformer-based deep neural network (DNN) system for path prediction in Level 2 to Level 4 autonomous driving, operating solely on camera-based perception—no HD maps, Lidar, or additional sensors needed. The system integrates with Helm.ai’s production-grade perception stack, enabling modularity, efficient validation, and human-like driving behavior through end-to-end learning.
Trained using real-world data and Helm.ai’s proprietary Deep Teaching™ approach, the model demonstrates complex decision-making—like turns, obstacle avoidance, and vehicle cut-ins—without explicit programming. The technology was validated in a closed-loop CARLA simulation using GenSim-2, Helm.ai’s generative AI foundation model that re-creates realistic camera sensor data.
CEO Vladislav Voroninski emphasized the importance of vision-only solutions and simulation in building scalable, human-like autonomous systems. Helm.ai continues to focus on generalizable AI models that perform across diverse vehicles, locations, and conditions.
Horizon Robotics Unveils HSD Urban Driving System
At its 2025 Annual Product Launch in Shanghai, Horizon Robotics (9660.HK) unveiled its mass-production-ready HSD (Horizon SuperDrive™) urban driving assistance system. Designed to simulate human driving behavior, HSD delivers safe, comfortable, and efficient mobility. Built on Horizon’s Journey™ 6 hardware and a modular “Horizon Cell” platform, HSD offers plug-and-play scalability for all vehicle segments.
The system will debut globally in September 2025 with Chery’s EXEED brand, reinforcing a longstanding partnership. Horizon also announced expanded collaboration with Volkswagen Group through their joint venture CARIZON, with HSD-based models expected in 2026.
Currently partnered with over 40 OEMs and over 310 design wins, Horizon Robotics is positioning HSD as a key driver for the mainstream adoption of human-centric smart driving solutions.