Tesla has made a significant strategic move by discontinuing its ambitious Dojo supercomputer initiative. This decision marks a notable shift in the company's approach to artificial intelligence development, particularly for its Full Self-Driving technology and Optimus robot. Instead of focusing on in-house AI hardware, Tesla is now embracing a collaborative model, engaging with external industry leaders for advanced chip solutions.
Tesla Shifts AI Strategy: Dojo Supercomputer Decommissioned, External Partnerships Strengthened
In a significant development, Tesla has decided to shut down its pioneering Dojo supercomputer project, a sophisticated data center in New York built to accelerate the training of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software and Optimus humanoid robot. This facility, powered by custom-built D1 chips, was envisioned as a cornerstone for Tesla’s AI advancements, with initial estimates valuing its contribution to the company at an astounding $500 billion. The cessation of Dojo’s operations was first reported by Bloomberg, a fact later corroborated by none other than Tesla CEO Elon Musk himself.
This strategic pivot underscores Tesla’s evolving methodology in artificial intelligence. The company is now actively forging partnerships with prominent external silicon manufacturers, including Nvidia, AMD, and Samsung. This shift implies a move away from internal hardware development for AI solutions, opting instead for the expertise and scale offered by these established industry players.
Concurrently with the winding down of the Dojo project, Peter Bannon, who led the supercomputer's development team, is reportedly departing from Tesla. Other team members from the Dojo initiative are expected to be reassigned to various data center and computing projects within the company, ensuring their expertise remains leveraged across Tesla’s broader technological landscape. Elon Musk had previously hinted at this reevaluation during a recent quarterly earnings call, suggesting a potential convergence with external partners for future AI chip development.
Despite the discontinuation of Dojo, Tesla's commitment to advancing AI-powered autonomous driving remains unwavering. The company is actively progressing with a larger, more powerful supercomputer known as Cortex. This new facility, currently under construction in Austin, Texas, is designed to house over 100,000 Nvidia H100 and H200 chips, signaling a significant investment in high-performance computing for AI. Additionally, another critical data center is already operational in Memphis. These centralized computing hubs are vital for processing vast amounts of video data gathered from Tesla vehicles globally, which is crucial for refining their autonomous capabilities and eventually achieving unsupervised Full Self-Driving, a long-term goal for the company.
Beyond data processing, Tesla is also reinforcing its hardware capabilities for autonomous driving. The company recently entered a substantial $16.5 billion agreement with Samsung to procure advanced AI semiconductors. This deal, extending through 2033, includes plans for Samsung to establish a local manufacturing facility in Texas to produce these chips, which will form the foundation of Tesla's future AI6 (Hardware 6) architecture. This follows previous collaborations, with Samsung already supplying the current AI4 (Hardware 4) vehicle hardware chips, and TSMC in Taiwan and Arizona slated to produce the upcoming AI5 (Hardware 5) units.
The decision by Tesla to pivot from its in-house Dojo supercomputer project to embrace external partnerships with AI chip giants like Nvidia, AMD, and Samsung reflects a pragmatic evolution in the competitive landscape of autonomous driving and artificial intelligence. From a journalist's perspective, this move signals a maturation in Tesla's strategy, acknowledging that the sheer scale and specialized expertise required for cutting-edge AI hardware might be more efficiently sourced externally. It highlights a pragmatic recognition that even pioneering companies like Tesla benefit from leveraging established leaders in specific technological domains. This strategic realignment could potentially accelerate the development of their Full Self-Driving capabilities by tapping into a broader ecosystem of innovation and production, rather than bearing the full burden of internal research, development, and manufacturing of highly specialized hardware. For the end-user, this might translate into more robust and reliable autonomous features reaching the market sooner, as Tesla focuses its internal resources on software algorithms and integration, which are ultimately the user-facing elements of their AI ambitions. It also raises questions about the future of vertical integration in such complex technological fields, suggesting that a hybrid approach might be the most effective path to innovation and market leadership.
A recent teaser campaign from JackRabbit, a company renowned for its compact electric personal transport, suggests the imminent launch of an innovative two-person electric vehicle. This development marks a significant departure from their typical 'micro' design, indicating a potential expansion into a new category of e-bikes or electric scooters. The hints dropped so far point towards a more robust form factor capable of accommodating two riders, while still retaining some of the brand's signature space-saving features.
Amidst a deluge of cycling-related content, a curious image surfaced, strongly suggesting a forthcoming two-seater from JackRabbit. While partially obscured by an accessory, the vehicle's enlarged dimensions are unmistakable, hinting at a new direction for the manufacturer known for its diminutive designs. A closer inspection reveals the clear presence of tandem seating, confirming the capability for a second passenger.
Further glimpses from the promotional material expose additional characteristics of this mysterious apparatus. Despite its increased size, it appears to deviate from a conventional e-bike design, notably lacking traditional pedals. Instead, the vehicle features JackRabbit's characteristic chunky yet foldable footpegs. The wide handlebars are also equipped with the brand's unique 90-degree turning mechanism, allowing them to pivot sideways for compact storage, a feature that has proven highly beneficial in their smaller models for easy stowing in confined spaces. Although it remains uncertain if this larger version will achieve the same extreme narrowness, its stowable nature is expected to be a key advantage.
Visual analysis suggests that the wheels on this new model might be larger than JackRabbit's standard 20-inch size, potentially contributing to the 'full-sized bike' designation mentioned in the teaser. The visual perspective is somewhat ambiguous, with the front wheel appearing to be around 24 or 26 inches, while the rear remains partially hidden. This raises speculation about a possible 'mullet' wheel setup, featuring different wheel sizes. Furthermore, observations indicate the availability of various saddle configurations, with some images showcasing a conventional bicycle seat and others a more extended, banana-style saddle.
Powering this new offering, two of JackRabbit's 'Rangebuster' batteries are visible within the frame. These larger capacity batteries, each boasting an estimated range of 24 miles (39 km), suggest a potential combined range of approximately 50 miles (80 km) for the two-person model. However, many specifics remain unconfirmed, such as the type of motor, the inclusion of a pedal option, and naturally, its retail price, a notable concern given the higher cost of previous JackRabbit models.
JackRabbit has officially announced that a full reveal is scheduled for August 12th, promising to unveil all the details about this intriguing new product. Enthusiasts and potential buyers alike are eagerly anticipating this disclosure, eager to discover how this innovative two-person design will reshape the landscape of personal electric transport, especially considering the brand's reputation for unconventional yet functional designs.
Maxon has unveiled its latest innovation in electric bicycle propulsion, the Air S mid-drive motor, which despite its unassuming appearance, delivers a monumental increase in power. This new iteration, visually akin to its predecessor, conceals a dramatically enhanced performance capability beneath its minimalist shell. The most striking improvement lies in its torque output, which has escalated to 90 Newton-meters (Nm), nearly tripling the previous model's performance. Impressively, this significant power boost is achieved while maintaining an incredibly low system weight of merely 3.8 kilograms (8.4 pounds), encompassing both the motor and a 400 Watt-hour battery. This development represents a remarkable stride forward, especially considering that other compact mid-drive motors of this caliber have been few and far between.
The Air S motor, weighing just 100 grams (0.22 pounds) more than the original Air, now boasts a peak power of 620 Watts, positioning it firmly within the category of high-performance mid-drive units designed for demanding off-road conditions. This level of torque is typically found in the most robust motors powering contemporary electric mountain bikes, yet Maxon has managed to integrate it into a package that remains exceptionally light. Such advancements are critical for the evolution of lightweight e-bikes. As observed by industry experts, these motors are facilitating the creation of ultra-light electric bicycles that were previously unimaginable. For instance, models incorporating the Air S, such as the Thömus Lightrider E-Max or Instinctiv's Ocelot, weigh in at barely 15 kilograms (33 pounds), significantly less than many full-suspension e-mountain bikes, primarily due to the compact motor and integrated battery design.
The enhanced 90 Nm torque of the Air S, a substantial upgrade from the mere 30 Nm of its forerunner, provides formidable climbing ability without adding unnecessary bulk. This effectively bridges the gap between light-assist electric bicycles and their full-power counterparts, rendering steep ascents and rapid acceleration feel effortless. Historically, the pursuit of ultra-lightweight e-bikes necessitated compromises in power; however, the Air S now allows these bikes to compete on both power and weight. Furthermore, Maxon's distinctive split-cylinder configuration ensures the motor remains visually discreet, and when coupled with frame-integrated batteries (with a 600 Wh option anticipated), the system maintains sleek aesthetics and a low overall weight. Consequently, many electric bikes equipped with this motor will be indistinguishable from conventional bicycles to the casual observer. With the Air S, Maxon has achieved a remarkable equilibrium, offering an ultra-light design without sacrificing torque, thereby propelling lightweight e-bikes into a new echelon of performance, providing riders with both agility and robust power. The future of trail riding is undeniably lighter, more streamlined, and poised for challenging climbs.
This innovative technology underscores a commitment to pushing boundaries and creating solutions that empower individuals to achieve more with less. By combining lightweight design with powerful performance, the Maxon Air S not only enhances the riding experience but also champions the idea that advancements can lead to greater efficiency and enjoyment for all. It symbolizes progress that encourages healthier lifestyles and a deeper connection with the outdoors, fostering a sense of adventure and possibility.