Summary
- CleanTechnica offers daily news updates through email or Google News
- Texas is attracting cleantech startups despite its fossil energy roots
- Clevon, an Estonian firm, is showcasing autonomous cargo delivery EVs in Texas
- Robotaxis have faced safety concerns and doubts about their impact on urban congestion
- Clevon’s Autonomous Robot Carriers are designed for short distance deliveries and emphasize shared rides.
Article
The state of Texas, known for its strong ties to the fossil energy industry, is now attracting a wave of clean technology startups aiming to decarbonize the global economy. One such firm is Clevon, an Estonian company that has chosen Texas as the location to showcase its autonomous cargo delivery electric vehicles (EVs). These vehicles are being tested in the city of Northlake before potentially scaling up to people-ferrying robotaxis.
The concept of robotaxis has received both negative and positive attention in recent months. While some firms utilize human oversight of autonomous systems from remote locations, others are facing safety concerns and growing distrust from the public. Questions have also been raised about the potential impact of robotaxis on urban quality of life, with studies suggesting that unless they focus on shared rides, they may not necessarily alleviate congestion.
Clevon has taken a step-by-step approach to introducing autonomous mobility by first deploying its neighborhood-scale Clevon 1 cargo delivery robots. These vehicles offer insights into the future of robotaxis, emphasizing sustainability and quality of life in cities. With a focus on short distances and last-mile services, Clevon’s Autonomous Robot Carriers (ARCs) are designed to accommodate multiple deliveries and pickups in a single trip using individual lockers.
The combination of human oversight and autonomous technology in Clevon’s vehicles addresses safety concerns and provides a potential solution to driver shortages in countries like Japan and the US. By showcasing its technology in Texas and partnering with local businesses like PostNet, Clevon is paving the way for a new cleantech workforce while offering innovative delivery solutions for home-based businesses.
Clevon’s success in the Texas market has led to plans for scaling up its autonomous delivery vehicles into larger vans and passenger vehicles. Collaborating with Indigo Technologies, the company aims to develop autonomous vehicles optimized for ride sharing, potentially reducing the number of vehicles on city streets while providing convenient, emission-free connections to mass transit stations.
The future of robotaxis and autonomous mobility in cities holds promise for transforming urban transportation and reducing emissions. By focusing on shared rides and sustainable delivery solutions, companies like Clevon are contributing to a cleaner, more efficient transportation system. With ongoing trials of autonomous technology in various locations, the transition to a ride-sharing robotaxi future seems closer than ever.
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