Travis Kalanick’s startup Atoms is reportedly preparing to expand its presence in autonomous transportation, potentially including the development and deployment of robotaxi technology. The company is planning a significant hiring effort and exploring acquisitions as it builds out its broader autonomous vehicle strategy.

The developments follow Atoms’ $1.7 billion funding round, led by Andreessen Horowitz earlier this year. Despite the scale of the investment, Kalanick had provided limited details about the startup’s long-term objectives. Recent reporting now offers a clearer indication of where the company may be heading.

Atoms Explores Robotaxi Opportunities

According to reporting cited by TechCrunch, Atoms has discussed how its autonomous driving technology could potentially be used by Uber. The ride-hailing company has already established partnerships with several autonomous vehicle developers as it works toward expanding self-driving transportation services.

Uber has also invested $100 million in Atoms, adding a direct financial connection between the two companies. However, robotaxis are reportedly not expected to represent the entirety of Atoms’ business strategy.

Major Hiring and Acquisition Plans

Atoms is reportedly preparing to recruit additional employees and pursue acquisitions as it seeks to build capabilities across the autonomous vehicle industry.

The strategy could allow the company to combine technology, engineering expertise and existing autonomous systems rather than relying entirely on internal development. The approach would also give Atoms a faster route into a highly competitive market.

Pronto Acquisition Adds Autonomous Expertise

Atoms’ direction is also reflected in its acquisition of Pronto, an autonomous mining technology company led by Anthony Levandowski, a former head of Uber’s self-driving program.

The acquisition gives Atoms access to experience in autonomous systems and vehicle technology beyond conventional passenger transportation. It also indicates that the company may be pursuing a broader autonomous technology platform rather than focusing exclusively on consumer robotaxis.

What Comes Next for Atoms

The potential move into the robotaxi market would place Atoms alongside a growing group of companies competing to commercialize autonomous transportation.

For now, Atoms’ plans remain broader than robotaxis, and the company has not publicly confirmed that autonomous passenger services will become its primary business. Still, its funding, acquisition strategy and reported discussions with Uber suggest that autonomous vehicles could become an important part of its next phase of growth.