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This week has brought a surge of news in the electric aviation domain.
Indeed, significant developments have emerged, particularly regarding electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. These moves depict how the industry is consolidating and actively seeking new revenue avenues while navigating the complex regulatory landscape to eventually launch air taxis.
In a remarkable turn in the eVTOL sector, Archer Aviation revealed that it has acquired Wisk Aero, previously a competitor. In this agreement, Boeing will sell Wisk and two other subsidiaries to Archer, receiving a 16.5% stake in return. The subsidiaries in question include SkyGrid, focused on digital airspace management, and drone company Insitu.
Wisk’s journey has been quite tumultuous. Initially operating as Kitty Hawk, an electric aviation venture led by Sebastian Thrun and funded by Google co-founder Larry Page, it ceased operations in September 2022. However, its Cora project continued as a joint venture with Boeing and later rebranded as Wisk Aero.
In a more straightforward move, Joby Aviation announced its acquisition of Resonant Sciences for $500 million, signifying the company’s entry into the defense market.
Resonant Sciences specializes in radio frequency and sensor technologies and will now operate under the name Joby Defense. While Joby is dedicated to advancing eVTOL aircraft for urban air transportation, it sees promising opportunities and revenue potential within the defense sector.
A Little Bird
For two years, Uber concentrated on forging partnerships and investing in autonomous vehicle technology firms. However, this week it took a different route by divesting its entire stake in Serve Robotics, the autonomous delivery robot entity that had originated from Uber over five years ago.
Interestingly, Serve Robotics reportedly was taken aback by Uber’s decision and only became aware of it upon seeing Uber’s regulatory filing. Despite this, the two remain business partners, with an agreement that allows Serve’s robots to function through the Uber Eats app until 2027.
Deals!
Uber is investing in Galgo, a Chilean fintech firm focusing on motorcycle financing.
In another development, electric mobility startup Yulu successfully raised $93 million in a Series C funding round, including $63 million in equity from GEF Capital Partners and $30 million in debt.
Notable Reads and Other Tidbits
Aurora Innovation and Kodiak AI have obtained approval from the California Department of Motor Vehicles to commence testing their self-driving trucks on public thoroughfares, with Kodiak AI already starting its operations.
Avride announced it has achieved over 100,000 autonomous rides on the Uber app in Dallas, although a human safety operator is still present in the vehicle. The company did not provide precise ridership statistics but noted the last milestone was marked at 60,000 rides just two months ago.
Delta Air Lines is currently investigating a cybersecurity incident involving a passenger who allegedly set up a fake Wi-Fi network on a flight, triggering alerts to air traffic control.
Flock has introduced new policies and tools intended to reduce misuse of its automated license plate camera systems and improve accountability among its law enforcement clients.
Ford confirmed it remains on schedule to complete a $2 billion renovation of its Louisville Assembly Plant, equipped with an innovative assembly system set to begin production of its next-generation EVs, starting with the midsize Fathom truck.
Ground Truth, an art initiative addressing housing affordability in New York, has developed a device that can trigger brakes on Citi rental bikes, making it more challenging to cycle through neighborhoods with high rent burdens.
Hiroshi Okuda, a veteran executive at Toyota who eventually rose to chairman, passed away this week. Okuda is known for championing the development of the gas-electric hybrid Prius.
Pony.ai and Uber plan to introduce 2,000 robotaxis across four cities in Europe as part of an expanded collaboration.
Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced efforts to attract video gamers as new air traffic controllers, citing that 2,000 candidates have been hired through this initiative, though it remains unclear how many are gamers.
Uber Freight is investigating a cyberattack and data breach recently claimed by the hacking group Helix.
Waymo is furthering its expansion in California after receiving approval for its commercial ride-hailing permit, enabling its robotaxis to operate and charge for rides across a wider area, including the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles.
Zoox has released a critical safety case framework to build public trust in its technology, especially important as there is currently no federally mandated testing for autonomous vehicles.
One More Thing …
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is approaching, and one key guest might catch your interest.
RJ Scaringe, CEO of Rivian, will take the stage at Disrupt, our major tech event uniting innovators, investors, and media. If you have questions for Scaringe, feel free to reach out.
The event is scheduled for October 13 to 15 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.
For details about the programming announced thus far, be sure to check and secure your ticket before prices increase on August 22.
