Vay CEO Insights: Shaping the Future of Driverless Mobility
- Dario Deserranno
- Apr 2
- 5 min read
As the buzz around autonomous vehicles continues to intensify, Vay has firmly planted itself at the forefront of the driverless revolution. This year’s CES 2025 was a pivotal moment, showcasing the potential of autonomous technology and the advancements that will shape the future of mobility. Thomas, CEO and Co-Founder of Vay, shared his thoughts on the future of the driverless industry, the evolving landscape of robotaxis, and the role remote driving will play in scaling autonomy. Here's a closer look at his insights from CES, plus some exciting media highlights that have caught the world’s attention.
The Road Ahead: Robotaxis and Remote Driving
At CES 2025, the conversation around autonomous driving reached new heights, with major players like Waymo, NVIDIA, and Zoox unveiling the next generation of robotaxi technologies. But Vay’s CEO, Thomas, believes the road ahead is full of exciting opportunities for companies willing to tackle the technical and financial challenges that come with scaling robotaxis.
For Thomas, Waymo remains the most prominent player in the U.S. when it comes to robotaxi technology. They’re well-positioned to scale within the next 1–3 years, though there are significant hurdles to overcome. High hardware costs, such as LiDAR sensors and computing systems, which can amount to up to $200,000 per vehicle, are a major roadblock. However, despite these challenges, Waymo continues to subsidise the costs, making it possible for the company to expand its fleet and continue growth.
The breakthrough, Thomas argues, lies in the remote driving technology that will enable and scale autonomy. Waymo reportedly uses remote drivers about 5% of the time when its vehicles encounter situations that they can’t navigate autonomously. This hidden driver is crucial for all autonomous companies, including Tesla, which has started exploring remote driving capabilities to overcome the technological and safety barriers in full autonomy.
While Vay Mobility is well-positioned for growth, its focus on city and government partnerships means the company will likely expand more slowly than others. Meanwhile, Zoox, which is backed by Amazon, faces a more uncertain future. The company needs to roll out its first commercial service soon, relying on Amazon’s financial resources to fund its fleet expansion.
In Europe, Thomas is hopeful for the emergence of a strong player in the robotaxi space. At the moment, no European company has made significant strides in this area, but with the rapid pace of innovation, he believes this will change soon.
For companies like Tesla and Waymo, which rely on camera-based systems for autonomy, Thomas believes these technologies are still several years away from enabling city-wide robotaxi deployment without safety drivers. The current technological limitations and safety concerns will delay these companies from achieving full autonomy in urban environments.
Vay’s Vision: Driverless Carsharing Meets Robotaxis
So, where does Vay fit into this rapidly evolving landscape? At Vay, the team envisions a future where robotaxis and driverless carsharing services will coexist, just as ride-hailing and carsharing do today. While robotaxis offer convenience for passengers who want to relax or get work done during their ride, driverless carsharing provides a more flexible and cost-effective option.
Unlike robotaxis, which are designed for short trips within urban areas, driverless carsharing is perfect for longer or more remote trips. The ability to bypass the hassle of walking to a vehicle, finding parking, or even charging it makes this a highly attractive alternative for consumers. This service will provide a cost-effective way to take trips that range from a few minutes to several hours or even days, opening up opportunities for more widespread adoption.
The goal is not to replace one with the other, but to create a transportation ecosystem where both options coexist, offering users the flexibility and convenience they need, based on their unique needs and preferences. It’s a world where autonomy is accessible and efficient, offering a seamless and affordable experience for everyone.
Expanding Remote Driving in Las Vegas and Beyond
The momentum for remote driving is undeniable, and Vay is confident in its transformative potential. With the rapid growth of their customer base in Las Vegas, Vay is doubling down on its commitment to providing a seamless and reliable experience for everyone who uses their technology.
In the coming months, Vay plans to expand their fleet to 100 vehicles and open a new 8,500 square meter production facility to support their efforts. The company is also focused on hiring more remote drivers, including truck drivers for the first time, signaling a broader expansion of their capabilities and applications across various industries. This investment represents a significant milestone for Vay, signaling a bright future for the company and the industry as a whole.
Vay in the Spotlight: A CES 2025 Recap
CES 2025 wasn’t just about showcasing cutting-edge technology; it was a chance for Vay to connect with media, potential partners, regulators, and tech enthusiasts. Here are some highlights from the event that helped put Vay on the map:
Vay showcased their long-standing collaboration with NVIDIA and co-branded their vehicles, receiving positive responses from attendees and partners alike.
Over the course of 18 demonstrations, Vay explored various use cases for remote driving, from integrating it into privately owned vehicles to expanding into trucks and autonomous vehicles. These discussions reinforced the versatility of remote driving and its potential to revolutionize multiple industries.
Volker Wissing, Germany’s Federal Minister of Digital and Transport, participated in a remote driving demonstration, riding in one of Vay’s cars on the streets of Las Vegas. His involvement highlighted the importance of advancing regulatory frameworks to support innovation and autonomous mobility.
More than 20 journalists from around the world experienced Vay’s technology firsthand, with 50+ articles in prominent publications like TechCrunch, CNN, and Handelsblatt, amplifying Vay’s presence in the media.
A viral WIRED reel garnered over one million views on Instagram and TikTok, putting Vay’s innovations in front of a global audience and generating immense interest in the company’s work.
Looking to the Future
As Vay continues to push the boundaries of remote driving and autonomous technology, the future is looking brighter than ever. With their expansion in Las Vegas and growth in remote driving, Vay is laying the groundwork for a future where driverless carsharing and robotaxis coexist to create a seamless and cost-effective mobility experience for all.
The company is just getting started, and the road ahead is full of exciting opportunities for both Vay and the entire autonomous driving industry. With continued investment in innovation and a clear vision for the future, Vay is well on its way to becoming a major player in the world of autonomous transportation.
Komentarji