New data submitted to safety regulators reveals an overlooked human cost behind autonomous vehicle development. Test drivers working for companies like Waymo and Zoox sustained dozens of injuries, including whiplash, due to hard braking and sudden movements by self-driving cars during testing phases in 2024 and 2025.
Meanwhile, the autonomous mobility sector continues to see strong financial momentum. Autonomous box truck startup Gatik secured $200 million in fresh funding to scale its operations, following a major multiyear commercial agreement with PepsiCo, highlighting the industry’s ongoing commercial transition despite operational challenges.
- Test drivers for Waymo and Zoox suffered injuries from sudden AV braking.
- Gatik raised $200 million in funding to scale commercial operations.
- Autonomous vehicle sector sees continued investments and strategic deals.
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