Uber has invested $100 million in Atoms, the industrial-software startup founded by Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick, as the companies discuss a potential robotaxi technology collaboration. Atoms is preparing for large-scale hiring and acquisitions and is using the technical team and autonomous-driving capabilities of Pronto, an autonomous mining company it acquired in March, to explore urban mobility. The move clarifies Atoms’ direction after its $1.7 billion funding round in July, led by Andreessen Horowitz, whose co-founder Ben Horowitz joined Atoms’ board. Bain Capital, Fifth Wall and other institutions also participated. Atoms previously described itself as focused on industrial applications and said it had no plans to enter the saturated robotaxi market, while acknowledging that Uber could use its technology if it benefited the ride-hailing business. People familiar with the matter said robotaxis are not the entirety of Atoms’ plans, though the initiative fits Kalanick’s description of the financing as "unfinished business." Atoms faces established competitors including Waymo, Tesla and Baidu’s Apollo Go, which have built sizable fleets, operating networks and order volumes. The global robotaxi market is projected to grow from approximately $610 million in 2025 to $96.31 billion by 2034, but it remains uncertain whether the Atoms-Uber discussions will produce technology licensing or deeper integration.