Business

Nuro, an Autonomous Delivery Startup, is Preparing for a Return

Published

9 months ago

July 29, 2024

After experiencing significant obstacles and financial difficulties, Nuro received approval this week from the California Department of Motor Vehicles to test its third-generation R3 autonomous delivery truck in four locations within the Bay Area. This is a positive development for the AV firm.

Nuro can now test its autonomous delivery car in Mountain View, Palo Alto, Los Altos, and Menlo Park, thanks to the approval. Nuro makes cars without seats, windows, steering wheels, or pedals because his vehicles are exclusively meant to transport cargo. They resemble enormous sidewalk delivery robots more than anything else, even though they use public roads and have temperature-controlled food storage compartments.

According to co-founder Dave Ferguson, the increased geographic area will be the third largest, if not the second largest, deployment of completely autonomous vehicles in the United States, behind Waymo. He did point out that Cruise may have had a bigger deployment span prior to it grounding its fleet late last year.

Additionally, Nuro has been testing its 10-year commercial agreement with Uber Eats with vehicles from third parties.

Since a few years ago, Nuro has been teasing its R3. However, last year, the company opted to postpone a planned manufacturing push that would have allowed it to produce thousands of cars in collaboration with Chinese electric car manufacturer BYD. The firm was quickly running out of money, despite earlier being the talk of the AV industry after obtaining almost $2 billion from well-known investors. Nuro reorganized its staff in order to concentrate on perfecting the autonomy component following two rounds of layoffs during the previous two years. This required postponing commercial operations and the production of automobiles.

Ferguson said that there are currently no plans for Nuro to resume large-scale production or intensive commercial activities. Ferguson claims that the company’s intense focus on testing and certifying its new AI architecture is beginning to pay off.

Ferguson declared, “We’ve actually dramatically accelerated our autonomy side timeline and even our autonomy progress.” “So that is the software, obviously, as well as the hardware, the sensing, the compute that’s tied to that autonomy software in a [Level 4] setting.”

Level 4 autonomy is defined by the SAE as having the ability to drive oneself under specific conditions without assistance from a person.

Ferguson continued by saying that Nuro has been using a fleet of modified Toyota Priuses—roughly 100, according to a person with knowledge of the situation—to test and validate the R3’s new hardware and software stack. Nuro has even gone so far as to continue using those test vehicles to do occasional deliveries for Uber Eats. Uber Eats and Nuro began a 10-year business relationship in 2022.

Nuro was able to obtain a few dozen R3s from the EV manufacturer even after postponing the BYD manufacturing arrangement. Nuro plans to introduce that fleet in the Bay Area and its other market, Houston, in the coming months.

Ferguson stated, “One of the benefits that the R3 provides, relative to the R2, is that it can go on a significantly expanded [operational design domain].” “The R2 only drives up to 25 miles per hour. The R3 will technically be able to drive up to 45 miles per hour. We won’t necessarily deploy it at that speed on day one, but it enables us to do full L4 driverless testing, deployments, and even commercialization over a much wider region—basically everything except freeways.”

Nuro’s progress has been aided by advancements in AI, both within the organization and in the industry. Ferguson claimed that in recent years, Nuro’s methodology has changed to employ one or two extremely large foundational AI models that carry out numerous functions in one location, including mapping, localization, perception, prediction, and planning, improving efficiency and performance. In order to validate its AI in real-time, Nuro then combines this with a more conventional system in which all those duties are carried out on their own AI models.

This paves the way for Nuro to scale when it’s ready, as well as enabling Nuro’s R3 to go faster and over wider regions of Houston and the Bay Area.

That won’t happen this year, and since anything produced by BYD will probably be subject to high tariffs, Nuro might need to find a new manufacturing partner when it does. Although Ferguson expressed some anxiety about the tariffs, he is generally satisfied with BYD as a manufacturing partner.

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AI Startup Anthropic Nears $3.5 Billion Funding Round

Published

2 months ago

February 25, 2025

Archana Suryawanshi

AI Startup Anthropic Nears $3.5 Billion Funding Round

Anthropic, a leading AI startup, is on the verge of securing $3.5 billion in a fresh funding round that could push its valuation to $61.5 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The company, known for developing the Claude chatbot, is reportedly attracting investments from major venture capital firms, including Lightspeed Venture Partners, General Catalyst, and Bessemer Venture Partners.

This funding round surpasses the $2 billion target Anthropic was previously reported to be seeking last month. The surge in investor interest highlights the growing appeal of AI-driven enterprises, with nearly half of all U.S. venture funding in 2023 flowing into artificial intelligence startups.

The strong financial backing also emphasizes the dominance of U.S. AI firms, even as Chinese alternatives like DeepSeek emerge with cost-efficient models that have caught the attention of some investors.

Meanwhile, OpenAI—the company behind ChatGPT—is also in discussions for a substantial funding round that could elevate its valuation to as much as $300 billion, as reported by Reuters.

Anthropic, co-founded by former OpenAI executives Dario and Daniela Amodei, had previously achieved a valuation of around $18 billion following a funding round led by Menlo Ventures last year.

In addition to its fundraising efforts, the company recently introduced Claude 3.7 Sonnet, an advanced AI model designed to enhance response speed and improve step-by-step reasoning. This move aims to strengthen Anthropic’s position in the competitive generative AI landscape.

The funding round was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, while Anthropic has yet to comment on the ongoing investment discussions.

Business

Level Up Your Digital Game with DigiRoads – Training, Strategy, and Success

Published

2 months ago

February 24, 2025

Brand Buzz

Jaipur, India – February 24, 2025 – In the ever-evolving digital world, staying ahead requires more than just theoretical knowledge—it demands hands-on expertise, strategic execution, and real-world application. Recognizing this need, DigiRoads has emerged as a leading force in digital marketing education, offering cutting-edge training programs designed to equip learners with industry-driven skills. Whether you are an aspiring marketer, a business professional, or an entrepreneur, DigiRoads empowers individuals to master digital marketing strategies that drive tangible success.

DigiRoads: Where Learning Meets Real-World Implementation

With the rapid expansion of the digital economy, the demand for skilled digital marketers has skyrocketed. Companies are constantly looking for professionals who can optimize campaigns, analyze data, and execute marketing strategies effectively. DigiRoads was founded with a mission to bridge the gap between conventional education and real-world application, ensuring students not only understand marketing concepts but also implement them through practical training and live projects.

From Humble Beginnings to a Digital Powerhouse

Laying the Foundation: Building Expertise & Delivering Results

DigiRoads was founded in 2015 by two visionary BITS Pilani alumni, who sought to revolutionize digital marketing education. The early years were focused on helping businesses enhance their digital presence through SEO, PPC, and social media marketing.

During this period, DigiRoads achieved:

SEO Excellence: Ranked over 200+ websites on the first page of Google, boosting organic traffic for businesses across industries.
PPC Mastery: Created high-performing ad campaigns that tripled ROI for startups and established enterprises.
Social Media Growth: Launched viral marketing campaigns that increased audience engagement by 150%.

These achievements positioned DigiRoads as a trusted digital marketing partner for businesses seeking data-driven strategies and measurable growth.

The Rise of DigiRoads Classes

As the demand for skilled digital marketers surged, DigiRoads took a significant step in 2023 by launching DigiRoads Classes, a career-focused training institute designed to provide hands-on learning experiences. Unlike traditional training programs that focus only on theory, DigiRoads Classes ensures students actively implement strategies on live projects, preparing them for real-world marketing challenges. The institute offers specialized courses, including SEO Course, PPC Course, Social Media Marketing Course, Performance Marketing, Content Marketing, and Web Analytics. Each program is tailored to industry standards, equipping students with the most in-demand skills.

Since its inception, DigiRoads Classes has successfully trained over 500+ students, many of whom have secured high-paying jobs, internships, or started their own digital marketing agencies. The impact of the courses extends beyond professional growth—students experience enhanced critical thinking, analytical skills, and creative problem-solving abilities. The positive side effects include improved confidence, strategic mindset development, and the ability to adapt to fast-changing digital trends. With expert mentorship, industry-recognized certifications, and job placement assistance, DigiRoads Classes continues to be the top choice for digital marketing aspirants looking to excel in this competitive field.

Shaping Careers with Industry-Driven Projects

DigiRoads has transformed businesses while providing students with the best digital marketing course in Jaipur for real-world marketing exposure. Some of its most impactful projects include:

1. E-Commerce Brand Success

Boosted website traffic by 400% within six months using SEO and targeted PPC campaigns.
Increased online sales fivefold through performance-driven marketing strategies.

2. Real Estate Digital Expansion

Designed a lead-generation strategy for a real estate firm, resulting in a 200% increase in customer inquiries.
Leveraged Facebook & Google Ads to drive high-intent leads and improve retention rates.

3. Healthcare Digital Growth

Developed an SEO-driven content strategy that ranked a healthcare startup in the top three search results for competitive keywords.
Achieved a 60% increase in patient bookings through advanced digital advertising.

Key Achievements

80%+ job placement rate for DigiRoads Classes students.
Trained 500+ professionals, equipping them with real-world marketing expertise.
Helped businesses generate 2+ million organic visitors through advanced SEO.
Executed social media ad campaigns that reached millions of users, significantly boosting brand engagement.

Why Choose DigiRoads?

Unlike traditional training programs, DigiRoads focuses on real-world execution. Students don’t just study digital marketing—they apply it through live projects, hands-on mentorship, and performance-driven learning.

What Sets Us Apart?

Live Digital Marketing Projects – Gain direct experience running SEO, PPC, and social media campaigns.
Industry-Curated Curriculum – Learn from seasoned marketing experts who bring the latest industry insights.
Expert Mentorship & Personalized Training – One-on-one guidance from professionals with years of practical experience.
Internship & Placement Support – Strong industry connections that help students secure internships and job placements.
Industry-Recognized Certifications – Boost career credibility with certifications that employers value.

DigiRoads is committed to producing skilled digital marketers who can excel in the competitive job market. Our structured digital marketing course in Jaipur ensures learners develop a strong foundation in SEO, PPC, content marketing, web analytics, and more.

Start Your Digital Marketing Journey Today!

Whether you are looking to start a career in digital marketing, upgrade your skills, or enhance your business’s online presence, DigiRoads offers the best digital marketing course in Jaipur tailored to industry demands.

At DigiRoads, we don’t just teach marketing—we help you implement strategies that drive real results. Join us and take the next step towards becoming a digital marketing expert.

Visit www.digiroadsclasses.in or email us at info@digiroadsclasses.in for inquiries. Call us at +91-8971129995.

Business

Flipkart Offers Huge ₹26,000 Discount on Google Pixel 9—Grab the Deal Now!

Published

2 months ago

February 20, 2025

Archana Suryawanshi

Flipkart Offers Huge ₹26,000 Discount on Google Pixel 9—Grab the Deal Now!

Tech enthusiasts looking for a high-end smartphone upgrade can now grab the Google Pixel 9 at an unbelievable discount on Flipkart. The e-commerce giant is offering a massive price cut on the flagship Pixel 9, making it a great opportunity for buyers to own this premium device at a much lower price.

Google Pixel 9 Discount Details on Flipkart

The Google Pixel 9 was originally priced at ₹79,999, but Flipkart is now offering the device for ₹74,999, giving an instant discount of ₹5,000. However, additional offers can further lower the price by a significant margin.

Additional Bank Offers

Flipkart is providing additional discounts through select bank offers:

HDFC Bank Credit Card EMI Transactions: Customers using HDFC Bank credit cards for EMI purchases can avail an extra ₹4,000 discount, bringing the effective price down to ₹70,999.

Exchange Offers: Get Up to ₹38,150 Off

One of the biggest attractions of this deal is Flipkart’s exchange offer, allowing users to trade in their old smartphones for an additional discount. Depending on the model and condition of the exchanged device, buyers can get a discount of up to ₹38,150. If the maximum exchange value is applied, the effective price of the Google Pixel 9 can drop to as low as ₹32,849.

Google Pixel 9 Specifications

For those considering the Pixel 9, here’s a quick look at its top features:

Display: 6.3-inch OLED with high refresh rate
Processor: Google Tensor G4 for enhanced performance
RAM & Storage: 12GB RAM, 256GB internal storage
Rear Camera: 50MP (main) + 48MP (ultrawide) dual-camera setup
Front Camera: 10.5MP for high-quality selfies
Battery: 4700mAh with fast charging support
Software: Runs on the latest Android 15 with guaranteed updates for 7 years

The Pixel 9 is available in multiple color variants, including porcelain, obsidian, Peony, and wintergreen, giving users stylish options to choose from.

How to Avail This Offer on Flipkart?

To grab this deal, follow these steps:

Visit Flipkart: Go to Flipkart’s official website or app.
Select the Google Pixel 9—choose your preferred color and variant.
Check for Bank Offers: Ensure you apply the HDFC Bank discount if eligible.
Opt for Exchange (if applicable): If you have an old smartphone, select the exchange option and check the discount available for your device.
Proceed to Payment: Complete the transaction and enjoy your new Google Pixel 9 at a heavily discounted price.

Is This the Right Time to Buy?

With a massive discount of up to ₹26,000, this Flipkart deal makes the Google Pixel 9 an irresistible buy for those wanting a premium smartphone with flagship-level performance, AI-powered cameras, and Google’s software experience. If you have been considering an upgrade, now is the perfect time to grab the Pixel 9 at its lowest price yet.