Marketplace Tech Robotaxis moved into the fast lane in 2025
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Dec 29, 2025 Kirsten Korosec, a transportation editor at TechCrunch with a keen focus on autonomous vehicles, discusses the remarkable rise of robotaxis in urban settings. She highlights Waymo’s dominance and the growing presence of competitors like Uber and Zoox. The conversation delves into profitability challenges, with current deployments not yet turning a profit. Kirsten also addresses the complex regulatory landscape and varying public sentiments about robotaxis across different cities, while hinting at what to expect in the future, including expansions and new players in the market.
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Waymo's Rapid Scale-Up
- Waymo scaled from limited tests to hundreds of thousands of rides weekly by 2025 and aims for a million rides next.
- Consolidation left few survivors, letting companies like Waymo accelerate deployment nationwide.
Multiple Players, Different Paths
- Several firms beyond Waymo are making moves, but each faces unique regulatory or market hurdles.
- Zoox, Wave, AV Ride and trucking-focused startups show the sector diversifying into different vehicle types and use cases.
Profitability Still Out Of Reach
- Public financials show robotaxi firms and related AV companies are not yet profitable.
- Revenues exist, but expenses currently outpace them across the sector.