Companies find new uses for self-driving car technology
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 7
Companies find new uses for self-driving car technology
12 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 7
A decade after Ford targeted 2021 for consumer autonomous cars, lidar, 3-D radar and ground-penetrating radar are now used in shipyards, wind turbines, traffic systems and elder care.
Lidar has spread furthest, helping where cameras struggle in bright light or darkness, while related tools are also improving robots and artificial intelligence systems.
The shift follows setbacks in autonomous vehicles: robotaxis remain limited, self-driving trucks are still in pilots, Luminar went bankrupt in December and GM shut Cruise in 2024.
Is the self-driving car revolution a failure, or is its technology simply conquering other industries first?
With billions lost in bankruptcies, why do forecasts predict a multi-trillion dollar boom for autonomous vehicles?
As AV tech monitors our cities and homes, are we overlooking the hidden costs to our privacy and jobs?
Autonomous Vehicles in 2026: Waymo’s Multi-City Robotaxi Expansion and LiDAR’s Cost Collapse to Under $500
Overview
In 2026, autonomous vehicle services are rapidly expanding, led by Waymo's driverless ride-hailing across multiple U.S. cities, though safety concerns have triggered an NHTSA investigation after a notable incident in Atlanta. Tesla achieved a major milestone by securing Europe's first regulatory approval for its supervised Full Self-Driving system, thanks to software tailored to meet strict EU standards. Meanwhile, LiDAR technology has become essential, with costs plummeting from over $75,000 to under $500, driving widespread adoption by automakers and fueling market growth. The fusion of AI and LiDAR is powering real-time spatial intelligence, enabling the projected surge in robotaxi fleets and automated freight networks, despite ongoing challenges in regulation, public trust, and economic viability.