<div>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        Uber Technologies has partnered with autonomous vehicle company Motional to pilot autonomous food deliveries for Uber Eats customers in Santa Monica in 2022. Motional's retrofitted all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 robotaxis will conduct deliveries from select restaurants.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        This partnership marks Motional&rsquo;s expansion into the driverless delivery space and Uber&rsquo;s first delivery partnership with an autonomous vehicle fleet provider. This will be the first time Motional's Hyundai vehicles are used for delivery applications, signaling the company's evolution to a dual-purpose product strategy.&nbsp;
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        Motional noted that human safety operators would be present in delivery vehicles, although the number of vehicles it aims to put on the streets was not disclosed.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <p>
  </p>
</div>


<div>
  <p>
    <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/motional-and-uber-announce-partnership-for-autonomous-deliveries-301446340.html">
      Press Release
    </a>
  </p>
  <p>
    <a href="https://siliconangle.com/2021/12/16/uber-partners-motional-trial-driverless-food-delivery-2022/">
      Silicon Angle
    </a>
  </p>
  <p>
    <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2021/12/16/motional-and-uber-partner-to-launch-autonomous-delivery-pilot-in-santa-monica-in-2022/">
      TechCrunch
    </a>
  </p>
</div>


Last-mile Delivery Automation

Uber partners with Motional to pilot autonomous food delivery

Using online platforms, autonomy, electric and fuel-cell tech solutions to shape the future of trucking.

Truck Industry Tech

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

INCUMBENTS_PRESENT

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>
 <p>Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) has partnered with Detroit Diesel Corp, a subsidiary of Daimler, to introduce its first battery-electric Freightliner eCascadia in Redford, Michigan. The electric truck will be managed by Load One LLC, a provider of freight solutions.</p>
 <p>Designed to transport goods between Detroit's offsite warehouse and the production facility in Redford, the eCascadia offers a standard range of 220 miles before needing to be recharged at the Detroit Logistics Center. The vehicle's operations will be optimized for routes that consistently carry payloads.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> This partnership follows Daimler’s other recent customer partnerships for Freightliner eCascadia trucks, including partnerships with J.B. Hunt, an Arkansas-based transportation and logistics company ( <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/33863"> September 2024 </a> ) and a beverage distributor, Reyes Beverage Group ( <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/35321"> October 2024). </a></p>

Daimler Truck launches first electric Freightliner eCascadia in Michigan

Technology providers that enhance satellite operations

Next-gen Satellites

<div>
 <p>Rocket Lab, a company specializing in space travel and launches, has agreed to a multi-launch deal with an anonymous commercial satellite operator. This collaboration indicates a potential move towards the full deployment of the operator's satellite network through the use of Rocket Lab's Neutron medium-lift rocket.</p>
 
 <p>The partnership includes two exclusive launches set to commence in mid-2026, facilitated by Rocket Lab's Neutron rocket at Launch Complex 3 in Virginia. The Neutron rocket is capable of carrying up to 13,000 kg to low Earth orbit, presenting alternative launch opportunities for scientific, government and commercial missions, such as satellite constellations and national safety payloads.</p>
 
 <p>The Neutron is well-equipped to cover the rising need for medium-lift launch services, with 10,000+ satellites projected to require launching by 2030 in an industry predicted to be worth about $10 billion USD. Additionally, the rocket's anticipated launch in 2025 could allow it to participate in the U.S government's National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Lane 1 program. The said contract is currently valued at $5.6 billion USD over a span of five years.</p>
</div>

Rocket Lab secures multi-launch contract for Neutron with commercial satellite operator

Technology to explore opportunities beyond Earth

Space Travel and Exploration Tech

<div>
 <p>A multi-launch agreement has been signed between Rocket Lab, a space travel and launch company, and an unknown commercial satellite operator. This agreement, relating to Rocket Lab's medium-lift Neutron rocket, marks a big step forward for the complete deployment of the satellite operator's constellation.</p>
 <p>The contract details two launches specifically assigned to Rocket Lab's Neutron rocket, planned to start in mid-2026. The operations will occur at Rocket Lab Launch Complex 3 in Virginia. The capability of the Neutron rocket to lift 13,000 kg to a low Earth orbit makes it a desirable choice for various ventures, including commercial, government, and scientific missions. This includes the deployment of satellite constellations and national security payloads.</p>
 <p>Neutron is well-positioned to cater to the increasing demand for medium-lift launch services. By the year 2030, it is projected that over 10,000 satellites will need launches in a market valued at approximately USD 10 billion. The expected debut of the rocket in 2025 could potentially be part of the US Government's National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Lane 1 program, a five-year contract worth USD 5.6 billion.</p>
</div>

<div>
 <p>Boeing's spacecraft manufacturing subsidiary, Millennium Space, has delivered two identical satellites for NASA's TRACERS mission. The mission, which cost USD 165 million, aims to study the interactions between Earth's magnetosphere and solar winds.</p>
 <p>The TRACERS mission involves the integration of the two satellites for the research of magnetic fields, plasma particles, and waves as they go round the Earth. This process occurs in areas known as the polar cusp, where the magnetic field is close to Earth's surface. Managed by Millennium Space, the mission aims to improve space weather predictions and better safeguard satellites and infrastructures on Earth.</p>
 <p>After undergoing environmental testing, the TRACERS satellites will be delivered to Vandenberg Space Force Base, with plans to launch them in 2025 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 to a sun-synchronous orbit.</p>
</div>

Millennium Space delivers two spacecraft for upcoming NASA mission

<div>
 <p>Boeing's subsidiary, Millennium Space, has delivered two identical satellites for NASA's TRACER (Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites) mission. This mission is meant to examine the interplay between solar wind and Earth's magnetosphere.</p>
 <p>The TRACERS mission, which was contracted to Millennium Space in 2019 and is valued at USD 165 million, involves the integration of two identical satellites to investigate magnetic fields, plasma particles, and waves in their orbit around Earth. The satellites will travel through the polar cusp, where the magnetic field is closest to the surface. Millennium Space will oversee ground operations, and the research should enhance space weather forecasting, offering better protection for Earth-bound satellites and infrastructure.</p>
 <p>The TRACERS satellites will be transported to the Vandenberg Space Force Base after environmental testing. They are planned to be launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 in 2025 to reach a sun-synchronous orbit.</p>
 
</div>

<div>
 <p>Space transportation company Firefly Aerospace has acquired a funding of USD 175 million in a Series D round. The round, led by RPM Ventures, includes contributions from both new and existing investors. As a result, Firefly's valuation has shot up to over USD 2 billion, a rise from the last reported USD 1.5 billion in November 2023.</p>
 <p>This money will be used to increase the production of the Alpha launch vehicle. Other funded operations include the extension of Elytra spacecraft's marketplace and enhancing hardware qualification for future vehicles currently in development.</p>
 <p>The company has recently landed several launch contracts from both government and industry entities. These consist of a contract with Lockheed Martin in June 2024 for 15-25 Alpha launches, and a deal with L3Harris in August for a maximum of 20 Alpha launches in the next five years. Moreover, NASA in September 2024 selected Firefly for the Alpha launch of NOAA's QuickSounder spacecraft.</p>
 
</div>

Firefly Aerospace secures USD 175 million in Series D funding to support production of launch vehicles and spacecraft

Clean, congestion-free air travel gets liftoff

Passenger eVTOL Aircraft

<div>
 <p>UK-based Vertical Aerospace announced its strategy "Flightpath 2030," aiming to transition from prototype to production. The strategy includes extending the certification timeline for the VX4 aircraft to 2028. </p>
 <p>According to this plan, the X4 will receive its first major upgrade by 2030, enhancing range and passenger capacity with two extra seats and extended range. Minor modifications will be required for certification purposes. </p>
 <p>The company targets to deliver more than 150 aircraft and reach annual outputs of 200+ VX4 units by Q4 2030. In the medium term, it plans to scale production to over 700 units. It is aiming for cash break-even by 2030 with gross profit margins above 40%, maintaining a zero accident rate and the highest safety certifications. </p>
</div>

Vertical Aerospace launches Flightpath 2030 for its VX4 eVTOL aircraft

Promising research and receding stigma are giving investors cannabis-boom flashbacks.

Psychedelic Medicine

<div>
 <p>Enveric Biosciences, a biotech company specializing in neuroplastogen development, has entered into a licensing agreement with MycoMedica Life Sciences, a clinical-stage biotech company. This agreement involves Enveric’s EVM201 program, which includes the drug candidate EB-002.</p>
  
<p>According to the agreement, MycoMedica gains global exclusive rights to develop EB-002, a synthetic prodrug aimed at treating neuropsychiatric disorders. The contract also stipulates potential milestone payments that could reach up to USD 62 million. Additionally, there will be tiered single-digit royalties on any future sales. The responsibility for all future development and commercialization will be assumed by MycoMedica.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> In <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/31412"> July 2024 </a> , Enveric Biosciences secured a US patent for EB-002. This partnership enables Enveric to benefit from MycoMedica's commercialization of EB-002 through milestone payments and royalties, as it advances for neuropsychiatric treatments.</p>

Enveric Biosciences enters into licensing agreement with MycoMedica Life Sciences for EVM201 program

Providing a seamless consumer experience is one hope for bringing back brick and mortar retail, automated stores are being built to do just that.

Automated Stores

<div>
 <p>Instacart, a grocery technology firm, has teamed up with Australian company, Coles Supermarkets to launch Capter Carts, a smart cart solution for grocery shopping. </p>
 <p>This collaboration signifies Instacart's debut retail expansion into the Asia-Pacific region, with the Capter Carts set to be introduced at Coles' Richmond Traders outlet in Melbourne by the beginning of 2024. These AI-driven carts will be incorporated with Coles' Flybuys rewards system, letting clients avail personalized deals and observe in-store promotions.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> Coles Supermarkets adds to Instacart's growing customer list that includes retailers such as <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/29024"> Save Mart Companies </a> (May 2024), <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/30785"> Price Chopper </a> (June 2024), and <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/30932"> Wakefern Food Corp </a> (June 2024) in the US and <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/32448"> Aldi South </a> in the US and Europe (August 2024).</p>

Instacart partners with Coles Supermarkets to launch smart carts in Australia

AI-based solutions for evolving digital threats

Next-gen Cybersecurity

<div>
 <p>Snyk, a security firm for applications and developers, has acquired Probely, a dynamic application security testing (DAST) provider based in Porto, Portugal. Probely specializes in API security testing and web applications. The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.</p>
 <p>Probely offers discovery and scanning capabilities to identify applications or APIs and possible vulnerabilities. Additionally, the company operates Security Headers, a free tool that aids users in benchmarking the security of their web properties.</p>
 <p>The acquisition aims to solidify Snyk's defense-in-depth approach to applicaton security. This will be achieved by integrating Probely's capabilities into Snyk's developer security platform, enabling automatic detection of vulnerabilities throughout the software development lifecycle. The integration will particularly enhance API security testing, which is critical for AI-powered applications.</p>
 
</div>

All Updates

Uber partners with Motional to pilot autonomous food delivery

Daimler Truck launches first electric Freightliner eCascadia in Michigan

Rocket Lab secures multi-launch contract for Neutron with commercial satellite operator

Rocket Lab secures multi-launch contract for Neutron with commercial satellite operator

Millennium Space delivers two spacecraft for upcoming NASA mission

Millennium Space delivers two spacecraft for upcoming NASA mission

Firefly Aerospace secures USD 175 million in Series D funding to support production of launch vehicles and spacecraft

Vertical Aerospace launches Flightpath 2030 for its VX4 eVTOL aircraft

Enveric Biosciences enters into licensing agreement with MycoMedica Life Sciences for EVM201 program

Instacart partners with Coles Supermarkets to launch smart carts in Australia

Snyk acquires Probely for undisclosed sum to enhance API security testing

Last-mile Delivery Automation

Uber partners with Motional to pilot autonomous food delivery

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