Yearly Archives: 2026

On 18–19 November 2026, the IV Scientific and Technical Conference “Autonomous Vehicles – Challenges and Opportunities for the Economy and National Defence” will take place. This international event is dedicated to the development of autonomous technologies, advanced mobility, and their applications in the civil and defence sectors. The conference is organised by Łukasiewicz Research Network – Automotive Industry Institute in cooperation with the Military Institute of Armoured and Automotive Technology. This year’s edition of the conference is financed from the state budget, with funding awarded by the Minister of Science and Higher Education under the Science Vectors Programme.

On June 12, 2026, the Swiss Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) granted a special permit for Level 4 autonomous driving tests for the AmiGo service — a joint project between China's Baidu (through its Apollo Go division) and PostBus, the bus operator owned by Swiss Post. Testing on public roads had actually already begun on June 1, 2026.

Mobileye, previously known primarily as a supplier of driver assistance systems and automated driving technology to automakers (including the VW Group, Toyota, Ford, Geely, and BMW), announced on June 16, 2026, its intention to launch its own robotaxi service in the United States, covering the entire ride-hailing operation—from technology, through the vehicle fleet, to passenger service. The decision puts the company in direct competition with some of its existing customers.

Starting from 7 July 2026, all new vehicles placed on the market, registered or entered into service in the European Union market must be equipped with an Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) system. For many drivers, this will simply be another electronic "assistant" designed to detect smartphone use or prolonged periods of looking away from the road. From the perspective of vehicle manufacturers and technology providers, however, this marks a much more significant milestone.

The Motor Transport Institute (Instytut Transportu Samochodowego) officially becomes the National Research Coordinator (KKPB) - the state body responsible for overseeing the conduct of research and testing of automated vehicles on public roads. This is the first comprehensive system for the control and harmonisation of research on automated and autonomous mobility in Poland, based on regulations adopted at the end of 2025.

On 15 June 2026, the Electromobility and Transport Automation Centre (CEAT) was officially launched. The new research infrastructure has been established by the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Automotive Industry Institute (PIMOT) to support research and development activities in the fields of electromobility, transport automation, as well as transport system safety.

The streets of Zagreb are now home to Europe's first commercial robotaxi service available to ordinary passengers. The flat fare is €1.99 per ride — regardless of distance within the operating zone.

Dr Małgorzata Pełka, CK:PAP expert, has joined the group of researchers appointed to the Intelligent Transport Systems Section of the Transport Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences. The letters of appointment were presented during the Section's meeting held on 18 May 2026 at the Mercure Warsaw Centrum Hotel.

The Department of Motor Vehicles of the State of California (DMV) announced on 28 April 2026 the adoption of a regulatory package considered among the most comprehensive frameworks for autonomous vehicle oversight in the United States. The key elements of the package enter into force on 1 July 2026.

On Thursday, 30 April 2026, the Motor Transport Institute (ITS) in Warsaw hosted the scientific conference "Vehicles of the Future" and accompanying workshops, organised as part of the 10th Polish Ecological Rally (Rally-Conference) of Wrocław University of Science and Technology. A significant component of the event consisted of presentations delivered by experts from CK:PAP.