‘Unfinished business’: Travis Kalanick revisits robotaxis with new start-up

September 6, 2026 - 04:55

Kalanick has described the move as "unfinished business." Atoms is focused on developing autonomous vehicle technology, aiming to compete in a crowded field that includes Waymo, Tesla, and Cruise. The start-up is reportedly in early talks with Uber to integrate its self-driving system into the ride-hailing platform. Such a deal would be a major pivot for Uber, which sold off its own autonomous vehicle unit in 2020 after years of losses and a fatal pedestrian crash.

The news has stirred mixed reactions in Silicon Valley. Some see it as a bold comeback from a founder known for his aggressive tactics. Others question whether the market needs another player, given the technical and regulatory hurdles that have slowed the entire industry. Atoms has not disclosed its funding or a timeline for deployment. Kalanick, who stepped down as Uber CEO following a shareholder revolt over workplace scandals, has kept a low profile since then. His return to the spotlight suggests he believes the technology has matured enough to make robotaxis a practical business. For now, Atoms is focused on hiring engineers and building a small test fleet. Whether Uber will bite remains an open question, but the possibility alone marks a strange twist in a long-running Silicon Valley saga.