Self-driving tech supplier Mobileye wants to be part of the robotaxi revolution — again

Mobileye, a key player in autonomous vehicle technology, is shifting gears from being solely a supplier to becoming an operator in the robotaxi sector. The Intel subsidiary announced its intention to roll out a robotaxi service in a yet-to-be-disclosed U.S. city by 2027, marking a significant evolution in its business model. Initially, Mobileye plans to deploy a fleet of 100 autonomous vehicles, gradually introducing them throughout the year. If successful, the company aims to expand this fleet to approximately 17,000 robotaxis over the subsequent five years. Founder and CEO Amnon Shashua expressed his enthusiasm for the potential of robotaxis to revolutionize transportation, emphasizing the industry's growing reliance on a limited number of technology providers. The Israeli firm gained recognition by supplying automakers with millions of computer vision chips that enhance safety features and advanced driver assistance systems. Recently, it has also focused on developing chips and software capable of facilitating autonomous driving, testing its technology in various urban environments. Currently, Mobileye provides its self-driving systems to Volkswagen and its MOIA subsidiary. However, the company now seeks to carve out its own niche in the robotaxi domain, even if it means competing against some of its current partners. This isn't Mobileye's first foray into robotaxis; in a 2018 discussion, Shashua highlighted the importance of pursuing robotaxi services as a step towards achieving full passenger car autonomy, which he referred to as the 'Holy Grail' of the industry. To support this new endeavor, Mobileye plans to establish a dedicated operating business for its robotaxi service, utilizing its self-driving technology. The fleet management will be handled in-house, and the company will leverage Moovit, the transit and ride-hailing app it owns, for customer interactions. While the specific vehicles for the fleet have not been disclosed, a recent press release included an illustration of what appears to be a modified Ora iQ, an electric crossover from Great Wall Motors. Shashua clarified that this initiative will not replace existing partnerships but rather extend them, reaffirming Mobileye’s commitment to empowering automakers and mobility providers with its technology. Operating its own service, he noted, will enhance adoption rates, provide valuable operational insights, and demonstrate the full scope of autonomous mobility.