TechCrunch Mobility: Travis Kalanick’s return proves it really is 2016 again

In a surprising turn of events, Travis Kalanick, the co-founder and former CEO of Uber, is making headlines once again. After stepping down in 2017 amid various controversies, Kalanick is now diving into the world of robotics with a new company named Atoms. He also announced his investment in Pronto, an autonomous vehicle startup founded by his former colleague Anthony Levandowski, which specializes in applications for industrial and mining environments. Kalanick’s involvement with Pronto marks a significant comeback, as he is now the largest investor in the company. This development evokes memories of 2016, a year that was pivotal for autonomous vehicles (AVs) and saw Uber acquiring Levandowski's startup Otto, which ultimately led to a lawsuit from Waymo over trade secrets. Meanwhile, at the SXSW festival in Austin, Rivian is making its presence known as the headline sponsor. The electric vehicle manufacturer is promoting its upcoming R2 SUV, which aims to be one of the fastest launches in automotive history. The performance launch edition is priced at $57,990, while a more budget-friendly version is expected to debut by late 2027. Rivian's strategy for the R2 appears to be focused on experiential marketing, targeting tech-savvy attendees who align with its core customer base. The R2 is designed to offer a more user-friendly experience compared to the larger R1 models, featuring a new operating system that promises enhanced performance and user interaction. With a single SoC capable of processing 200 TOPS (tera operations per second), the R2 is set to leverage edge computing for improved functionality. In other developments, Lucid Motors has teased a robotaxi concept during its recent investor day, although the company later clarified that this project is still in the early conceptual phase. In the background, Rivian has also announced a significant $500 million Series A funding round for its new industrial robotics lab, Mind Robotics, co-led by notable venture firms. Additionally, global ride-hailing service inDrive has acquired the Pakistani quick-commerce startup Krave Mart, with the deal receiving the go-ahead from local regulatory bodies. The electric aviation sector is also buzzing, with Archer Aviation countering a lawsuit from Joby Aviation regarding alleged misrepresentation of its status as an American-made company. As the automotive and tech industries continue to evolve, Kalanick's return and Rivian's ambitious plans suggest that the landscape of transportation is once again heating up with innovation and competition.