Seattle launches a yearlong pilot of four solar-powered, cellphone-unlockable public toilets in Pioneer Square and SODO, operated by Throne Labs, with 10-minute visit caps and 7am–10pm hours to address downtown sanitation ahead of World Cup crowds.
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced a three-year pilot program to test ultralight and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft—often described as 'flying cars'—in eight regions starting as early as June, carrying passengers and cargo before full FAA certification. Companies including Archer Aviation, Beta Technologies, Joby Aviation, and Electra will demonstrate aircraft that require little space to take off and land, potentially offering quieter, cheaper, and lower-emission options with some autonomous capabilities. The FAA stresses the program is to inform future standards and policy, not bypass certification, as the industry eyes a broader deployment by 2028 and competition with international efforts in China and Dubai.
Chicago is piloting Coco and Serve delivery robots on sidewalks, delivering thousands of meals while sparking safety concerns and petitions from residents who say sidewalks are for people. Incidents ranging from rear-end collisions to a robot dumped in a canal have stirred debate, prompting city officials to review regulations as the pilot—approved in 2022 and extending through May 2027—continues to expand amid calls to slow or reshape the program.
California is launching a pilot program called FAST to automatically review and potentially suspend licenses of drivers caught exceeding 100 mph, aiming to reduce traffic fatalities and improve road safety.
YouTube is launching a pilot program allowing some permanently banned creators to request a second chance to return to the platform, with eligibility limited to those banned for over a year and not for copyright or policy violations, but re-bans will be permanent.
The House has increased personal security funding for lawmakers, extending a pilot program and doubling monthly allowances amid heightened threats following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, with additional security funds included in the government funding bill.
The Trump administration announced a three-year pilot program led by the FAA to develop and test electric flying taxis through public-private partnerships, aiming to revolutionize urban transportation with companies like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation participating in the initiative.
The Trump administration has launched a three-year pilot program through the FAA to fast-track the development and testing of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL), aiming to establish U.S. leadership in airspace technology, with participation from companies like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation.
Waymo has received approval to test its autonomous Jaguar I-Pace SUVs in Manhattan and Brooklyn, marking its first pilot in New York City, with plans to begin testing immediately and operate until late September, as part of its broader expansion into major U.S. cities.
Waymo has received a permit from New York City to test eight self-driving cars without passengers in Manhattan and Brooklyn as part of a pilot program through September, marking a step towards autonomous vehicle integration in the city amid mixed reactions from officials and critics.
The US Department of Energy has selected 11 advanced nuclear reactor projects to fast-track their development and testing by July 2026, aiming to make the US a global leader in nuclear energy and support a continuous energy supply through innovative reactor designs like molten salt reactors and modular reactors for data centers.
The U.S. Department of Energy has announced the initial selection of 11 advanced reactor projects to participate in President Trump's Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program, aiming to advance nuclear technology deployment.
The U.S. is launching a 12-month pilot program starting August 20, 2025, requiring some travelers from high overstay rate countries to pay bonds up to $15,000 to enter, aiming to improve visa compliance and encourage foreign governments to reduce overstays.
Copenhagen has launched a new initiative called CopenPay to encourage tourists to make sustainable choices by offering perks like free kayak rentals and complimentary coffee. The program incentivizes eco-friendly behaviors such as biking, walking, and picking up litter, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of tourism. The pilot program, involving 24 institutions, will run until August 11, with hopes of becoming a year-round initiative.
LA Metro has launched a pilot program at the North Hollywood Metro station requiring riders to tap their transit cards to exit, aiming to reduce fare evasion and enhance safety. This initiative follows complaints about fare evaders and recent violent crimes on the transit system. The program is currently limited to the North Hollywood station, with no immediate plans for expansion.