Verne - GoKawiil

Uber begins autonomous vehicle testing in Manchester with Pony, Verne

Uber has started mapping Manchester streets using self-driving technology from partners Pony and Verne, with a safety driver present but no passengers onboard. The companies previously launched Europe's first autonomous taxi service in Zagreb, and Uber already runs limited passenger robotaxi trials in London using Wayve vehicles under TfL licensing rules.

news.slashdot.org · 2026-10-15

Longshot Space raises $20M to launch cargo into orbit using a giant gun

Alameda-based startup Longshot Space Technology, led by CEO Mike Grace and CTO Nato Saichek, is developing a multi-stage gun system that accelerates projectiles toward orbit instead of using rockets. The company has raised roughly $20 million from venture investors and is currently testing a 70-foot, six-inch-diameter gun that has fired projectiles at speeds up to Mach 4. Longshot plans to present its technology at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026.

techcrunch.com · 2026-10-13