TuSimple has entered into a global partnership with the TRATON Group to develop self-driving trucks. One of the world's largest commercial vehicle manufacturers with its MAN, Scania, and Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus brands, the TRATON Group is a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group. The first of its kind in Europe, the partnership brings together a global OEM and SAE level 4 (L4) self-driving technology company. TRATON and TuSimple have launched a development program to operate the first SAE level 4 autonomous hub-to-hub route between Södertälje to Jönköping in Sweden using TRATON's Scania trucks. TRATON has also taken a minority stake in TuSimple as part of the partnership.

This Week in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World Northwest UAV (NWUAV) has partnered with Hirth Engines (Hirth) as distributor for North and Central America. NWUAV and Hirth will work closely together to provide “seamless, continued support” for existing customers. (Hirth Engines)

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) has welcomed the Olli 2.0 autonomous vehicle from Beep, Local Motors by LM Industries and Robotic Research LLC into its JTA Test & Learn program. Through a partnership with Beep, Local Motors by LM Industries and Robotic Research, the Olli 2.0 was delivered to Jacksonville in late August. This is Local Motor’s first electric, autonomous, 3D-printed shuttle to be built in the United States. According to JTA, the Olli 2.0 will lead the next phase of the JTA’s Test & Learn activities at Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Cecil Center Campus and the JTA’s Armsdale Test & Learn facilities.

This Week in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World Yandex and Uber have announced that they are spinning out their self-driving joint venture into a standalone company. Yandex is also increasing its stake by investing an additional $150 million. (VentureBeat)