Atoms Autonomous Vehicle Field Report
Field Report · San Francisco · Atoms · Infrastructure & Depots · Autonomous Vehicles
Filed By: Grayson Brulte on October 5, 2026
Field Verified
Key Atoms Field Report Findings
Where is Atoms testing autonomous vehicles?
San Francisco. We spotted several Atoms autonomous vehicles driving around the city, including by Golden Gate Park and Jackson Square.
What platform is Atoms building autonomous vehicles on?
Kia Carnival minivans.
Does Atoms have a depot?
Yes. Atoms has a small active depot in the heart of San Francisco.
Atoms Autonomous Vehicle Field Report
In San Francisco, Atoms is actively testing a new autonomous vehicle platform. One vehicle we spotted was being driven manually in the Jackson Square neighborhood, while with the one we spotted by Golden Gate Park, we are unsure if in an autonomous driving system was engaged.
The Vehicle: Kia Carnival Minivan
The platform Atoms is developing on is a Kia Carnival minivan. This is the first time that we have seen an autonomous vehicle company developing on this platform.
The Depot: Small but Active
Atoms is currently operating out of a small active depot in the heart of San Francisco with a fleet that we estimate to be four vehicles with another five being uplifted for data gathering operations. The depot is not your traditional 30,000, 40,000, 50,000 or 80,000 square foot depot. It is rather small, but it is bustling with activity.
Early Days in San Francisco
Atoms is taking a different approach than what is common in the marketplace. They are developing an autonomous driving system on a minivan platform, similar to May Mobility, but with their own distinct sensor suite that appears to have its origins from the Pronto autonomous driving solution for off-road haulage systems.
The future is bright. The future is autonomous. The future is field reports.
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