Ride-Sharing Patent Battle and Latest Mobility Tech Updates

Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility, your go-to source for the latest in transportation innovation. This week’s highlights include a pivotal patent infringement lawsuit, startup funding news, and updates on autonomous vehicle technology.

Carma Technology’s Patent Lawsuit Against Uber

Carma Technology, founded in 2007 by entrepreneur Sean O’Sullivan, has launched a significant patent infringement lawsuit against Uber. The suit alleges Uber violated five patents related to ride-sharing systems that match riders or packages with vehicle capacity. Unlike typical patent troll cases, Carma’s approach is backed by a sophisticated 18-year patent procurement strategy encompassing a family of 30 related patents.

Each of the five asserted patents contains multiple claims defining the invention’s legal boundaries. Uber must defend against each claim individually, complicating the litigation and increasing the challenge of dismissal. IP attorney Larry Ashery emphasizes that this layered claim structure makes the case particularly complex and difficult for Uber to overcome.

Emerging Startups and Funding Highlights

Bedrock Robotics, a stealth startup led by former Waymo self-driving trucks head Boris Sofman, is developing retrofit self-driving kits for construction and heavy machinery. Although details remain under wraps, the company has secured significant venture funding, signaling strong investor confidence in autonomous industrial applications.

In funding news, Firefly Aerospace received $50 million from Northrop Grumman to advance its medium launch vehicle Eclipse. Pallet secured $27 million for warehouse logistics software, while Volteras raised $11.1 million to develop virtual connective tissue for EV battery grid support. Way Data Technologies also raised nearly $3 million to enhance fleet management solutions.

Autonomous Vehicles and Delivery Innovations

Rivr’s stair-climbing delivery robot, described as a “dog on roller skates,” is piloting last-mile package delivery in Austin, Texas. This robot operates from Veho vans, aiming to solve a critical segment of autonomous delivery by bridging vehicle drop-off to customer doorstep.

Meanwhile, Zoox faced a second software recall following a minor collision involving one of its robotaxis and an e-scooter rider in San Francisco. Despite the incident, Zoox continues expanding, recently becoming the official robotaxi partner of Resorts World Las Vegas, complete with a dedicated branded pickup location.

Tesla’s Market Challenges and Industry Shifts

Tesla’s Cybertruck is experiencing significant depreciation, with unsold units accumulating in Detroit and trade-in values dropping up to 45%. Additionally, Tesla’s sales in Europe and the UK have nearly halved, reflecting broader market pressures. These challenges coincide with Volkswagen’s continued fallout from its emissions scandal, which has accelerated the industry’s pivot toward electric and hybrid vehicles.

In a notable shift, Stellantis ended its in-car software partnership with Amazon, opting instead for an Android-based system to meet its ambitious $22.5 billion software revenue target. This move underscores the evolving landscape of automotive software platforms.

As the mobility sector rapidly evolves, these developments highlight the complex interplay of innovation, legal battles, and market dynamics shaping the future of transportation.