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| Amazon increases interest in robot trucks |
Amazon owns a self-driving car company, is experimenting with delivery robots that can walk on sidewalks, and is considering buying a large stake in a robotic trucking startup.
The e-commerce giant recently ordered 1,000 self-driving systems from Plus.ai, a California company specializing in self-driving truck technology.
Amazon is also considering buying a 20% stake in Plus.ai. This decision can have a significant impact on how the company sells its products around the world.
Plus.ai recently announced its intention to go public through a reverse merger with a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC).
The company plans to merge with SPAC Hennessy Capital V, which has also sponsored the public appearance of the startup Canoo.
In addition, the company expects to receive approximately $500 million from this transaction. This Plus.ai deal was valued at $3.3 billion.
Amazon relies on self-driving cars:
One of the largest companies in the world, Amazon has focused on robotic delivery trucks for many years.
The company used a large self-driving platform built by Embark in 2019 to transport goods.
Although autonomous vehicles have largely missed their initial ambitions, many experts remain optimistic about the advent of autonomous trucks.
When the Plus.ai deal is sealed, it will be the latest example of Amazon's growing risk in autonomous vehicle technology.
Along with Embark and Plus.ai, Amazon helped Aurora, a self-sufficient startup led by the former head of Google's self-driving car division, with a $500 million investment.
He also invested in electric vehicle company Rivian, which develops battery-powered delivery trucks.
Last year, Amazon acquired Zoox, a startup that is developing its own self-driving car for commercial ride-sharing.