According to Sawyer Merritt on Twitter, Waymo has revealed its 6th-generation robotaxi hardware, deployed on an all-electric RT van manufactured by Chinese EV company Zeekr. This new platform features 13 cameras, 4 lidar units, 6 radar sensors, and an array of external audio receivers (EARs), illustrating significant advancements in autonomous driving perception technology. Notably, the vehicle adopts 10 mini 3-inch windshield wipers and a centralized reservoir system to maintain sensor cleanliness, a key operational feature for reliable AI-powered robotaxi services. This combination of advanced sensors and innovative hardware design underscores Waymo's focus on enhancing real-world autonomy, sensor fusion, and scalability for commercial robotaxi deployments, especially as partnerships with global EV manufacturers like Zeekr expand the business potential of AI-driven mobility solutions. (Source: Sawyer Merritt via Twitter, photos by Macklin Hogan)

According to Sawyer Merritt, Elon Musk has confirmed that Tesla will begin high-volume production of its next-generation AI5 chip in 2027, with limited units available in 2026 (source: x.com/elonmusk/status/1985785525429850463). AI6 will use the same fabrication plants as AI5 but is expected to deliver approximately double the performance, targeting mid-2028 for volume production. The AI7 chip, described as 'more adventurous,' will require entirely new fabs. This roadmap highlights Tesla's commitment to advancing AI hardware for autonomous vehicles and robotics, presenting significant business opportunities in AI chip manufacturing and next-gen autonomous systems.