TechCrunch Mobility: Waymo makes its defense

image via TechCrunch

February 22, 2026, 5:05 PM

• •Waymo's use of remote assistance workers based in the Philippines has drawn criticism.
• •Lucid is laying off 12% of its workforce.
• •Rivian is launching a companion app for Apple Watch.
• •Several startups secured funding rounds, including Amari AI, Kavak, and LanzaJet.
• •Tesla lost its bid to overturn a jury's $243 million verdict in a fatal Autopilot crash trial.

This week's TechCrunch Mobility discusses Waymo's use of remote assistance workers based in the Philippines, sparking debate over their role in U.S. roads. Lucid announced a layoff of 12% of its workforce, impacting hundreds of employees amid financial scrutiny. Rivian is launching a companion app for Apple Watch users, alongside other software updates. The article also includes updates on funding rounds for several startups and a Tesla legal battle.

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