Robotaxi testing injures drivers while autonomous firms secure major funding
Data from OSHA show test drivers at Waymo and Zoox suffered over two dozen injuries in 2024-2025, and autonomous-vehicle startups are landing sizable investment rounds.
An investigation of Occupational Safety and Health Administration submissions found that test drivers for Waymo and Zoox incurred more than two dozen injuries in 2024 and 2025, ranging from whiplash to extended time off after sudden hard braking by the autonomous cars. The article suggests that comparable injuries likely occur at other AV firms that are exempt from OSHA reporting. In parallel, the autonomous-vehicle sector is attracting large capital inflows: Gatik, which operates driverless box trucks for retailers like Walmart, closed a $200 million financing led by Qatar Investment Authority and Koch Disruptive Technologies, complementing a new $600 million contract with PepsiCo.
Other notable deals include a $37 million Series A for Indian drone startup Airbound, a $120 million Series B for electric seaglider maker Regent Craft, and Mubadala Capital’s purchase of a controlling interest in Austin-based Arrive Logistics. The piece also touches on Waymo’s upcoming launch in Munich and clarifies a misinterpretation of its custom silicon chip performance.
Why it matters
It highlights hidden safety risks for workers testing self-driving cars and shows the growing financial backing of autonomous-vehicle companies.
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