Mobileye, the Israeli autonomous vehicle technology company and Intel subsidiary, has announced its intention to launch its own robotaxi service in a yet-to-be-named US city by 2027. This strategic shift marks a significant expansion beyond its established role as a key supplier of computer vision chips and advanced driver-assistance systems to major automakers.
The company stated that the initial phase will involve a fleet of 100 autonomous vehicles, which will be progressively introduced throughout 2027. Should the venture prove successful, Mobileye has ambitious plans to scale its operations to approximately 17,000 robotaxis over the subsequent five years. Amnon Shashua, founder and CEO of Mobileye, highlighted the transformative potential of the robotaxi revolution, noting an increasing reliance on a limited number of technology providers and business models within the industry.
Mobileye has historically been prominent for supplying millions of computer vision chips that underpin automotive safety features and advanced driver-assistance systems. More recently, the company has developed chips and software specifically for autonomous driving, testing this technology in various urban environments. It currently supplies its self-driving system to Volkswagen and its MOIA subsidiary.
However, Mobileye's latest move suggests a desire to directly capture a share of the robotaxi market, even if this places it in direct competition with some of its existing clients. This aspiration is not entirely new; in a 2020 interview, Shashua indicated that pursuing robotaxis was a necessary step towards achieving the 'Holy Grail' of fully driverless passenger cars for consumers.
The company plans to establish a new operating business unit for its robotaxi service, leveraging its proprietary self-driving system. Mobileye will manage the fleet and utilise Moovit, the transit and ride-hailing app it owns, for the consumer-facing aspects of the service. Shashua emphasised that this new initiative is an extension of their current partnerships, not a replacement, affirming their commitment to enabling automakers and mobility providers with Mobileye Drive while simultaneously accelerating adoption and gaining direct operational experience.