Atoms is reportedly preparing a robotaxi push, including talks with Uber

TechCrunch reports that Atoms, the startup founded by Travis Kalanick, may be moving into robotaxis in earnest. The article says the Financial Times reported that Atoms is preparing for a hiring spree and acquisitions that could make it a more serious player in autonomous vehicles.

The same report, as described by TechCrunch, said Atoms has discussed with Uber how the ride-hailing company could use Atoms’ robotaxi technology. TechCrunch adds that Uber has already partnered with many autonomous vehicle companies, and says Uber’s $100 million investment in Atoms had been previously confirmed by TechCrunch.

What is known and what is not

TechCrunch is careful not to present robotaxis as the whole plan. Its piece says sources emphasised that autonomous taxis are not the entirety of Atoms’ ambitions, even if the direction fits Kalanick’s description of the company’s work as unfinished business.

There are at least a few tangible markers around the edges. TechCrunch notes Atoms announced a $1.7 billion funding round earlier in the summer and acquired Pronto, an autonomous mining startup led by former Uber self-driving executive Anthony Levandowski. Even so, the present account rests on reported talks and preparation rather than a public launch, product rollout or signed commercial deployment.