Starship Technologies is winding down its autonomous food delivery service at U.S. universities to focus on grocery deliveries in cities across the U.S. and Europe.

   More than 1,200 robots from over 60 campuses will be redeployed to partner with grocery retailers. While campus service is expected to continue through summer (with some extensions into fall), the shift prioritizes higher-margin urban grocery operations, where robots can cut delivery costs by up to $4 compared to traditional couriers.  
   Colleges have provided a controlled testing ground since 2018, and students widely loved the service for late-night snacks. Starship, founded in 2014 by Skype veterans, has completed over 10 million deliveries with 3,000+ robots globally.

Tesla Announces Engineering Tests of First Production Cybercab in Austin 

Tesla has kicked off engineering tests of its first production Cybercab robotaxi on public roads in Austin, Texas. The milestone, shared directly by the company, marks a key step toward scaling its purpose-built autonomous vehicle. 

Tests include a safety monitor onboard as the vehicle navigates real-world traffic, including rush-hour conditions in Austin. 

Production of the Cybercab began at Giga Texas earlier in 2026, with initial slow output ramping up later in the year. This moves beyond prototypes to real production hardware.

This development builds on Tesla's expanding unsupervised robotaxi operations in the Austin area and broader testing of Cybercabs across the US. It underscores progress toward commercial robotaxi service, potentially starting in limited form later in 2026. 

    Vanderhall Brawley GTS is a premium all-electric four-seat side-by-side (UTV/SxS) from Vanderhall Motor Works, an American manufacturer. It stands out with its enclosed luxury cabin, quad-motor powertrain (one motor per wheel), advanced drive modes, and strong off-road capability. It targets enthusiasts seeking quiet, high-performance electric off-roading with comfort features like heating and air conditioning, unlike traditional open-air gas UTVs. 

Key Specifications

  Powertrain: Quad-electric motors with integrated cooling; up to 404 hp and 488 lb-ft of torque (GTS-specific). Lithium-ion battery pack. Intelligent 4WD with traction control. 
  Performance: Instant torque delivery, regenerative braking with in-board discs and ceramic pads. Drive modes include 4x2, 4x4, eCrawl™ (for steep hills/low-speed control), eCrab™ (lateral/crab walk movement), and eSteer™ (four-wheel steering, plus tank/zero-radius turns). 
  Range: Up to 140 miles (estimated, standard battery; extended-range option previously noted in some reports). 
  Suspension: Dual A-arms, front/rear 21" travel with cooling reservoir and gas bump stops. Stamped steel control arms.
  Tires & Wheels: Atlas Paraller M/T 35x12.50R18LT tires on 18x8" aluminum wheels. 
  Dimensions & Capabilities: Length ~147.5", width 76", height 69.5"; wheelbase 112.5"; ground clearance 18"; estimated dry weight 2,700–3,000 lbs; towing capacity 1,500 lbs. Aluminum unibody chassis with full roll cage. 
  Features: Enclosed cabin with full hard roof (fixed moonroof), climate control (heat/AC/defrost), heated seats with 4-point harnesses, multi-channel Bluetooth audio, twin-gauge digital display, LED lighting (halo headlights, light bar), 3-speed wipers, front/rear skid plates, USB ports, and hitch receivers. Storage is modest (~5.1 sq ft).    
  Warranty: 6-month limited factory; 36-month on battery pack.  
Note: This is an off-road-only vehicle in most jurisdictions—not street-legal in many areas. It requires a valid driver's license (driver typically 16+ or 18+ depending on rules) and emphasizes safety training.  

 
Price

   MSRP: Starts at $49,950 (base GTS model, excluding options, taxes, fees, delivery).  
   Color options add cost (standard $0, specialty ~$750, metallic ~$1,050). Extended battery or other packages may increase the price. Dealer prices can vary (e.g., some listings around $52k+ with fees).  
It positions as a premium option compared to many gas UTVs, emphasizing luxury and electric performance.    

Availability

  Deliveries began in late 2025 for 2025/2026 models and are ongoing in select U.S. regions. It is available through authorized Vanderhall dealers. You can order via the official site or check inventory at dealers (e.g., listings in Arizona, Utah, Texas, New York). Broader availability is expanding. Check vanderhallusa.com for a dealer locator and to reserve.   

Review Summary

The Brawley GTS impresses with blistering acceleration, near-silent operation, and innovative modes that excel in technical terrain (e.g., sand, hills, rocks, and even some water fording per tester reports). The enclosed, climate-controlled cabin with quality fit/finish feels more like a luxury vehicle than a typical rough-and-tumble UTV, with strong suspension absorbing impacts well. Reviewers highlight its style, power delivery, and features like four-wheel steering/crab walk as game-changers for maneuverability.  

Pros:

   Massive instant power and torque.
   Quiet, comfortable, all-weather cabin.
   Advanced off-road tech and strong capability (35" tires, 18" clearance).
   Premium build and unique aesthetics. 

Cons:

   High price point limits accessibility.
   Off-road-only legality restricts use (trailer transport often needed).
   Modest storage; range is good but real-world varies with terrain/aggressive driving.
   Newer model, so long-term reliability data is still emerging. 
Overall, it's a standout luxury electric UTV for those who can afford it and have off-road playgrounds accessible. It blends performance, comfort, and innovation effectively, appealing to buyers tired of noisy gas machines. Test rides (where available) are highly recommended to experience the quad-motor thrill. For the latest details, visit the official Vanderhall site or a local dealer.

Zoox Robotaxi Review: A Purpose-Built Autonomous Pod That's Truly Different 
Zoox (an Amazon subsidiary) stands out in the robotaxi space with a vehicle designed from the ground up as a driverless ride-hailing pod, rather than a retrofitted car. It features no steering wheel, no pedals, bidirectional driving, and a symmetrical "toaster" or pod-like design. As of 2026, it's offering rides in cities like Las Vegas and San Francisco (with free or limited public access expanding), positioning it as one of the first purpose-built robotaxis in commercial-like service. 

Key Specifications

   Dimensions: Approximately 142.9 inches (11.9 ft) long and 76.2 inches tall — compact footprint similar to a Fiat 500 but taller for easy entry/exit. 
   Seating: Up to 4 passengers in a face-to-face "carriage" configuration (two benches facing each other). No trunk; luggage goes in the cabin. 
   Powertrain: Fully electric with a 133 kWh battery pack (split front/rear for balance and redundancy). Offers up to ~16 hours of operation before charging. Dual motors (or more with redundancy) support bidirectional driving. 
   Performance: Top speed of 75 mph; four-wheel steering for tight maneuvers (turning circle around 28 feet in earlier specs). Smooth in urban environments but optimized for city speeds. 
   Sensors: Extensive 360-degree suite including ~28-40+ cameras (some thermal), ~20 radar units, multiple LiDARs, and long-wave infrared sensors. AI-powered perception, prediction, mapping, and planning with no single point of failure. 
   Design Highlights: Symmetrical (no distinct front/back), sliding side doors (subway-style), panoramic moonroof, starry "Starmap" ceiling lighting, individual seat touchscreens for climate/music/trip info, wireless charging, USB-C, cupholders, and ambient lighting. Recent 2026 updates include softer padded seats, brighter screens, larger cupholders, improved ergonomics, and better exterior cues. 

  Ride Experience and Performance

  Riders describe the Zoox as a novel, communal experience. The face-to-face seating encourages conversation, and the lack of a "driver" end makes it feel like a moving lounge. Pickup uses app-based hailing with distinctive LED "eyes" and sound cues for easy identification. 
   Driving behavior is very safe and conservative — sometimes overly cautious with abrupt stops or delayed merges in construction zones, resembling a new driver prioritizing caution over smoothness. It handles urban navigation well with excellent obstacle detection but can feel jarring over potholes due to the low ride height and wheel placement. Passengers note it's smoother than some traditional rideshares in traffic, with no distracted driver issues. 
   Comfort: Recent interior refreshes improved seating (softer with better headrests) and ambiance, but seats remain relatively firm. The glass doors and moonroof provide good visibility sideways, though forward/rear views are limited. Climate control and audio per seat are nice touches. It's spacious for four without luggage but can feel tight with bags. 
   Safety: Redundant systems, custom airbag setup, real-time AI prediction, and constant mapping emphasize safety. Zoox has faced some investigations/recalls on test vehicles (e.g., sudden braking in retrofitted models), but the purpose-built units focus heavily on crash avoidance. 

Pros

   Innovative, rider-centric design with bidirectional efficiency (great for pickups/dropoffs without U-turns).
   Spacious, tech-filled interior focused on passenger experience.
   Strong sensor suite and redundancies for all-weather/urban perception.
   Electric and efficient for fleet operations; potential to reduce urban congestion and ownership costs long-term.
   Fun, futuristic feel with lights, sounds, and starry ceiling. 

Cons

   Conservative driving style can feel abrupt or inefficient in traffic.
   Firm ride over rough roads; limited storage.
   Early-stage service (geo-fenced, expanding slowly); availability and pricing for full paid rides still rolling out.
   No high-speed highway prowess emphasized yet (focus is urban).

 The Zoox Robotaxi is a bold step toward the future of mobility. It's not just another self-driving car — it's a reimagined pod that prioritizes riders over drivers, with impressive engineering in autonomy and redundancy. While the driving isn't as polished as a skilled human (yet), its safety focus and unique experience make it highly promising, especially as production ramps up in 2026. 
   Compared to competitors like Waymo (retrofitted vehicles), Zoox feels more purpose-built and communal. It's ideal for short urban trips, groups, or anyone wanting a novel, hands-free ride. As the fleet grows and software matures, it could be a game-changer for safe, efficient city transport. 

VivaTech 2026 Paris: Europe’s Tech Powerhouse Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary with AI, Robotics, and Global Ambition

VivaTech 2026, held from June 17–20 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, marked a milestone as the 10th edition of Europe’s largest startup and technology event. Billed as the place “where business meets innovation,” this year’s gathering drew an impressive 180,000 attendees, 14,000 startups, 4,000 partners, and 3,600 investors, solidifying its status as a must-attend global rendezvous. 

AI, Humanoids, and Practical Innovation Take Center Stage

The dominant theme was clear from the moment visitors entered: AI in action. Humanoid robots from companies like Unitree performed dynamic demos—boxing, balancing, and navigating crowds—while robotic dogs patrolled the halls. Smart home solutions, such as Samsung’s AI-powered refrigerators that track inventory and generate shopping lists, showcased how the technology is moving from hype to everyday utility. 
 
Discussions emphasized practical enterprise AI, industrial applications, productivity tools, and ethical considerations. Keynotes and panels explored agentic AI, sovereignty, cybersecurity threats amplified by AI, and Europe’s push for technological independence. 

Standout Speakers and Moments

The speaker lineup was stellar for the anniversary edition:

 Jeff Bezos (Amazon, Blue Origin, Prometheus) shared visions on innovation and the future of humanity.
Narendra Modi (as AI Country Partner) highlighted India’s massive incentives for innovation and inclusive AI growth.
Yann LeCun, Joe Tsai (Alibaba), Shantanu Narayen (Adobe), and European leaders like ministers from France and Germany added depth to conversations on geopolitics, open models, and digital sovereignty. 

Highlights from the days included:

 Day 1–2: Strong focus on AI adoption, with OpenAI noting faster agent growth in Europe, and debates on alternatives to U.S.-centric tech. 
 Day 3: Sessions on space exploration (e.g., The Exploration Company’s European ambitions), cybersecurity (“business is war”), media in the AI era, and the enduring story of Tetris. 
 
Themes spanned Artificial Intelligence, Productivity, Sovereignty & Ethics, Energy/Greentech/Mobility, Cybersecurity & Defense, and Health & Longevity. 
 

Atmosphere, Scale, and the Festival Day

The energy at Hall 7 and beyond was electric, with bustling exhibition zones, startup pitches, investor lounges, and international pavilions (Germany as Country of the Year stood out). The event culminated in a public VivaTech Festival, extending the innovation vibe to iconic spots like the Champs-Élysées. 

Attendees and exhibitors praised the event’s ability to connect startups with powerful brands, investors, and decision-makers. Quotes from participants highlighted unmatched lead generation, visibility, and networking opportunities in one vibrant European hub. 

A Resounding Success

VivaTech 2026 wasn’t just another tech conference—it was a confident statement of Europe’s (and Paris’s) role in the global innovation ecosystem. While U.S. and Chinese giants loomed large, the event amplified European voices on sovereignty, ethics, and collaborative deeptech.For startups seeking funding and scale, enterprises hunting solutions, or anyone wanting a pulse on where technology is headed, VivaTech remains unparalleled in Europe. The 10th edition delivered scale, substance, and spectacle—setting a high bar for future years.  
A landmark event that perfectly blended celebration with forward-looking ambition.Whether you’re building the future or investing in it, mark your calendar for VivaTech 2027. Paris has cemented itself as the continent’s tech capital. 

    Unitree B2 is an advanced industrial-grade quadruped (four-legged) robot from Unitree Robotics, designed for demanding applications like inspection, emergency response, security patrols, exploration, and research. It excels in rough terrain, stair climbing, obstacle navigation, and payload carrying, with strong endurance and high mobility. 

Key Technical Specifications

Dimensions: Standing ≈ 1098 mm × 450 mm × 645 mm; Prone/Lying ≈ 880 mm × 460 mm × 330 mm. 

Weight: ≈ 60 kg (including battery). 

Degrees of Freedom (DOF): 12.
Max Running Speed: > 6 m/s (note: safety-limited in practice; special configurations). 

Max Joint Torque: ≈ 360 N·m.
Max Jump Distance: > 1.6 m.
Ditch Jumping Width: 0.5–1.2 m.
Payload Capacity: Standing load ≥ 120 kg; Continuous walking load > 40 kg. 

Terrain Capabilities: Max obstacle crossing ≈ 40 cm; Continuous stair climbing (20–25 cm steps, up to 40 cm forward); Slope angle > 45°.
Battery: 45 Ah (2250 Wh), 58 V; Quick-swap capable. Optional autonomous charging.
Endurance: Unloaded walking > 5 hours (> 20 km); 20 kg load > 4 hours (> 15 km); Overall 4–6 hours depending on use. 

Operating Temperature: -20°C to 55°C.
Ingress Protection: IP67 (dust and water resistant).
Computing (Standard): Intel Core i5 (platform) + Intel Core i7 (user development). Optional: Additional Intel i7 or NVIDIA Orin NX (up to 3 units).
Sensing: Typically includes 3D LiDAR (×1), depth cameras (×2), and optical cameras (×2); configurations vary. 

Interfaces: Multiple 1000M Ethernet, USB 3.0, power outputs (12V, 5V, 24V, BAT).
Other Features: Excellent terrain adaptability; optional wheeled foot modules (B2-W variant) for hybrid mobility; continuous OTA updates; SDK for development.

Note: The B2-W is a wheeled variant with added wheels for higher speeds on flat surfaces and slightly different specs (e.g., ~75 kg weight). 

Price

Official Unitree Shop: Listed at $100,000 USD (contact sales for the actual/negotiated price; customizable). 

Resellers: Often lower, e.g., starting around $78,700–$85,900 USD depending on configuration (base model, LiDAR options, etc.). Prices may include shipping in some cases but exclude duties/taxes. 

Prices vary with options (e.g., extra batteries, advanced computing, sensors, software licenses) and volume. Contact Unitree or authorized distributors for quotes.

Availability for Purchase

Available for purchase directly from the official Unitree shop (shop.unitree.com) or authorized resellers (e.g., RoboWorks, RoboStore, Robots International). 

Lead times: Often "ready to ship" for standard configs or 60 days (or more) depending on customization and stock.
Primarily targeted at businesses, research, and industrial users. It is a civilian robot—comply with local laws, and avoid dangerous modifications. 

Global shipping is available (duties/customs typically buyer responsibility).

For the latest details, exact pricing, demos, or configuration options, visit the official site (unitree.com or shop.unitree.com) or contact Unitree sales directly. Specs can vary slightly by configuration and firmware updates.