Travis Kalanick Launches Atoms Startup Focused On Mining And Transport

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 16, 2026

From Uber To A New Vision

Travis Kalanick, the former CEO and founder of Uber, has launched a new startup called Atoms. The company expands on technology initiatives previously developed within Kalanick’s firm City Storage Systems. City Storage Systems built CloudKitchens, a delivery-focused restaurant infrastructure business that previously reached a valuation of about $15 billion.

Stealth Mode To Breakthrough

Atoms has operated largely in stealth for several years while developing its technology platform. During a recent episode of the TBPN podcast, Kalanick said the company has expanded its focus beyond food delivery infrastructure. The business now includes several divisions, including Atoms Food, Atoms Mining and Atoms Transport, which focus on automation and industrial systems.

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Innovation In Robotics And Self-Driving Technologies

Highlighting its innovative approach, Atoms is pioneering the development of gainfully employed robots – specialized machines designed to boost productivity and deliver societal value. Industry sources, including a report by The Information, have noted that Kalanick is preparing to roll out a robotics and self-driving car platform, backed by key investors from his past ventures with Uber. This strategic move seeks to capitalize on the convergence of automation and transportation technologies.

Resiliency And Reinvention

Kalanick discussed the development of the company in a statement published on the Atoms website. In the message, he described the period following his departure from Uber and his efforts to build new technology ventures. The transition from City Storage Systems’ food infrastructure business to Atoms reflects a broader focus on automation and robotics.

The Future Of Atoms

Atoms plans to apply robotics and automation technologies across several industries, including food services, mining and transportation. The company’s strategy outlines the integration of robotics systems into existing industrial operations as it develops new automation platforms.

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Meta’s $18 Billion Settlement Limits State Claims Over Children’s Data

by News Editor

August 28, 2026

Meta’s $18 billion settlement with attorneys general from 29 U.S. states includes a provision limiting future state claims over the company’s use of children’s data for age-assurance systems.

Under the agreement, Meta must develop, train and begin testing a system to identify users under 13 within a year of the settlement taking effect. The company already uses AI-based age-detection tools, although the agreement does not require the new system to use AI.

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States Agree To Limits On Future Claims

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) generally restricts the collection and retention of personal data from children under 13. Under the settlement, the 29 state attorneys general agreed not to bring past, present or future claims under COPPA or similar state laws over the specified use of children’s data.

Meta will not be permitted to use information from users under 13 for advertising, marketing or algorithmic optimisation.

Federal Enforcement Remains Unclear

COPPA is primarily enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, which is not a party to the agreement. That leaves open the possibility of separate federal action over how Meta collects or uses children’s data.

Another issue is whether Meta can keep age-assurance data isolated from its other systems. An independent auditor will monitor compliance, but the settlement does not fully specify what data Meta can retain for training, how long it can be stored or whether derived insights can be used elsewhere.

Legal Risks Remain

Joshua Wurtzel, a partner at Schlam Stone & Dolan, said states could still pursue claims if Meta uses the data outside the settlement’s limits. Such cases could depend on how those limits are interpreted.

Peter Jackson, a data and intellectual property attorney at Greenberg Glusker, said the provision could “disincentivize future enforcement actions.”

The agreement gives Meta greater legal certainty around using children’s data for age assurance, but questions remain over federal enforcement, data retention and secondary use.

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