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Honda-backed Helm.ai Unveils Vision System for Self-Driving Cars

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Helm.ai, a California-based startup backed by Honda Motor, introduced its new camera-based urban environment interpretation system called Helm.ai Vision. The company is negotiating with multiple automakers to integrate its self-driving technology into mass-market vehicles.

Helm.ai is collaborating with Honda to embed the system in the upcoming 2026 Honda Zero series of electric vehicles, which will enable hands-free driving and allow drivers to take their eyes off the road.

CEO and founder Vladislav Voroninski told Reuters that the company’s business model centers on licensing this software, including foundation model software, to automakers. Helm.ai’s vision-focused system aligns with Tesla’s approach, relying on cameras rather than sensors like lidar or radar, which can add significant costs.

Voroninski acknowledged Helm.ai’s foundation models can work with other sensors but emphasized that the primary offering remains vision-centric. Industry experts, however, highlight that supplementary sensors such as lidar and radar are vital for safety, especially under poor visibility conditions.

In contrast, robotaxi companies like Alphabet’s Waymo and May Mobility use a sensor fusion approach combining radar, lidar, and cameras to ensure comprehensive environment perception.

Helm.ai has raised $102 million to date, with investors including Goodyear Ventures, Korean auto parts maker Sungwoo HiTech, and Amplo.

The Helm.ai Vision system merges inputs from multiple cameras to create a bird’s-eye view map that enhances vehicle planning and control. It is optimized for hardware platforms from Nvidia, Qualcomm, and others, facilitating automakers’ integration of Helm.ai Vision into existing vehicle systems.

Tesla Asked by Texas Democratic Lawmakers to Delay Robotaxi Launch

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A group of Democratic lawmakers from the Austin area has asked Tesla to postpone the launch of its robotaxi service until September, when a new autonomous-driving law is expected to take effect. The letter, sent on Wednesday, argues that delaying the rollout is in the best interest of public safety and would help build trust in Tesla’s operations.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk had indicated the robotaxi launch could happen as early as this Sunday. However, if Tesla moves forward with the launch this month despite the lawmakers’ request, they demand detailed information on how the company will comply with the new state law.

Last year, Musk shifted Tesla’s focus toward autonomous-driving technology, moving away from rapid growth in electric vehicle sales. Tesla has not commented on the lawmakers’ letter.

The influence of the request is uncertain in Texas, a state governed by Republicans holding majorities in the legislature.

Musk announced in January that Tesla planned to offer autonomous ride-hailing in Austin starting in June. Investors and analysts have closely monitored this rollout, seeing robotaxis and humanoid robots as critical to Tesla’s future market value.

Currently, Texas law permits autonomous vehicles to operate statewide if they meet registration and insurance requirements. The new legislation, passed last month but not yet signed by the governor, will require companies to get authorization to operate and allows authorities to revoke permits if driverless vehicles endanger public safety. It also mandates providing guidance to first responders on how to handle these vehicles in emergencies.

Tesla has provided few details on the launch, stating it will start with 10 to 20 Model Y vehicles operating only in parts of Austin deemed safest. Information about passengers, pricing, operational zones, and remote monitoring remains undisclosed.

Waymo Returns to New York City for Autonomous Vehicle Testing

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Waymo, the self-driving technology unit of Alphabet, announced on Wednesday that it will resume testing in New York City next month, bringing its autonomous vehicles back to Manhattan streets as it scales up U.S. operations.

The company has formally applied for a permit with the New York City Department of Transportation to conduct autonomous testing with a trained human operator behind the wheel. While the current phase will begin with manual driving, the permit would pave the way for New York’s first official autonomous vehicle test deployment on public roads.

“This is not an expansion, but we have every intention of bringing our fully autonomous ride-hailing service to the city in the future,” Waymo said in a statement.

New York State law currently prohibits fully driverless vehicle operation — a restriction Waymo is now lobbying to change.

Waymo first brought its vehicles to Manhattan in 2021, conducting manual driving and data collection exercises. The latest push signals its long-term commitment to eventually offering robotaxi services in one of the country’s most complex urban environments.

The move comes amid heightened competition in the self-driving industry. Rival Tesla is expected to launch a limited trial of its autonomous taxi service with just 10 vehicles this weekend, signaling growing industry momentum.

Meanwhile, Waymo continues to expand in California. The company announced Tuesday it will extend coverage to more areas of Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Peninsula after receiving state regulatory approval last month.

Currently, Waymo remains the only U.S. company operating robotaxi services with paying passengers, delivering over 250,000 weekly rides across San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Austin with a fleet of more than 1,500 autonomous vehicles.