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Turo rentals emerge as common thread in Las Vegas Cybertruck and New Orleans deadly incidents

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Turo rentals emerge as common thread in Las Vegas Cybertruck and New Orleans deadly incidents

In the early hours of Jan. 1, 2025, two horrific attacks shook the nation, raising serious questions about car-sharing platform security and potential terrorism links. In Las Vegas, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel, killing the driver and injuring seven others.

Meanwhile, in New Orleans, a pickup truck, later identified as a Ford F-150, plowed into crowds on Bourbon Street, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and dozens of injuries. 

Both vehicles were rented through Turo, a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform, sparking intense scrutiny of the company’s operations and security measures.

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Image from Turo website (Turo)

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The Las Vegas incident

At approximately 8:40 a.m. PT on Jan. 1, 2025, a Tesla Cybertruck pulled up to the valet area of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. Within 15 to 20 seconds, the vehicle exploded, killing the driver and injuring seven bystanders. Investigators discovered that the Cybertruck was packed with firework mortars and camp fuel canisters.

The FBI is investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism. Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed on social media that the explosion was caused by large fireworks or a bomb in the bed of the Cybertruck and was unrelated to the vehicle itself.

The New Orleans attack

In the early hours of New Year’s Day, a pickup truck, later identified as a Ford F-150, rammed through police barricades on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter. The driver, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, an Army veteran from Texas, mowed down pedestrians over a three-block stretch while firing into the crowd.

The attack resulted in at least 15 deaths and dozens of injuries. Jabbar was killed in a subsequent shootout with police. The FBI is treating this incident as an act of terrorism, noting that an Islamic State flag was found on the vehicle and improvised explosive devices were discovered inside.

The Turo connection to both incidents

Both vehicles used in these incidents were rented through Turo, a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform. This connection has raised significant questions about the company’s security measures and screening processes.

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What is Turo?

Turo is a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform that connects vehicle owners with people looking to rent cars. Often described as the “Airbnb for cars,” Turo allows individuals to list their personal vehicles for rent, providing an alternative to traditional car rental companies.

Founded in 2010 as RelayRides and rebranded to Turo in 2015, the company has grown into an international vehicle-sharing marketplace with more than 14 million users worldwide. Turo is available in more than 16,000 cities across the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia and France.

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Image from Turo website (Turo)

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How does Turo work?

The Turo process is straightforward:

  • Listing: Car owners list their vehicles on the Turo platform, including details like make, model, price and availability.
  • Booking: Renters search for available cars in their desired location and dates, then book directly through the Turo website or app.
  • Verification: Both car owners and renters must verify their identities through the platform.
  • Pick-up: Renters meet the car owner to pick up the vehicle or arrange for contactless check-in.
  • Return: At the end of the rental period, the renter returns the car to the owner.

Turo handles payments and insurance options and provides customer support throughout the process.

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Image from Turo website (Turo)

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Turo’s security measures and response

In light of the recent incidents, Turo’s security measures have come under intense scrutiny. The company’s current screening process includes:

  • Identity verification
  • Background checks (though the specific extent of these checks is not clear)

Turo requires users to upload a valid driver’s license to the app to be cleared for use. In some instances, Turo may collect additional identity verification information such as photographs or scanned copies of driver’s licenses, passports or other forms of identification.

The company has stated that they were “devastated” by the recent events and that their trust and safety team is actively cooperating with law enforcement. Importantly, Turo said in a statement to CyberGuy, “We do not believe that either renter had a criminal background that would have identified them as a security threat, and we are not currently aware of any information that indicates the two incidents are related.”

turo rentals 4

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Regulatory landscape for peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms

The regulatory landscape for peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms like Turo is in a state of flux, with at least 13 states having enacted laws specifically governing this industry, distinct from regulations applied to traditional car rental companies.

Turo has been proactive in advocating for additional regulations in various states to establish clearer operational guidelines. A significant development occurred in 2022 when New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed SB 6715 into law, providing a comprehensive regulatory framework for peer-to-peer car-sharing operations in the state. This legislation aims to expand transportation options and create economic opportunities for New Yorkers while addressing safety and insurance concerns.

Kurt’s key takeaways

These tragic events have highlighted potential vulnerabilities in the peer-to-peer car-sharing model. As investigations into these incidents continue, it’s likely that there will be increased scrutiny of Turo’s operations and security measures. The car-sharing industry may face calls for stricter regulations and enhanced screening processes. Turo and similar platforms might need to reevaluate and strengthen their security protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.

What are your thoughts on the safety and regulatory measures of peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms like Turo, and should there be stricter screening processes for renters and vehicles to prevent potential misuse or criminal activities? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Las Vegas police release ChatGPT logs from the suspect in the Cybertruck explosion

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Las Vegas police release ChatGPT logs from the suspect in the Cybertruck explosion

They confirmed that the suspect, an active duty soldier in the US Army named Matthew Livelsberger, had a “possible manifesto” saved on his phone, in addition to an email to a podcaster and other letters. They also showed video evidence of him preparing for the explosion by pouring fuel onto the truck while stopped before driving to the hotel. He’d also kept a log of supposed surveillance, although the officials said he did not have a criminal record and was not being surveilled or investigated.

The Las Vegas Metro Police also released several slides showing questions he’d posed to ChatGPT several days before the explosion, asking about explosives, how to detonate them, and how to detonate them with a gunshot, as well as information about where to buy guns, explosive material, and fireworks legally along his route.

Asked about the queries, OpenAI spokesperson Liz Bourgeois said:

We are saddened by this incident and committed to seeing AI tools used responsibly. Our models are designed to refuse harmful instructions and minimize harmful content. In this case, ChatGPT responded with information already publicly available on the internet and provided warnings against harmful or illegal activities. We’re working with law enforcement to support their investigation.

The officials say they are still examining possible sources for the explosion, described as a deflagration that traveled rather slowly as opposed to a high explosives detonation that would’ve moved faster and caused more damage. While investigators say they haven’t ruled out other possibilities like an electrical short yet, an explanation that matches some of the queries and the available evidence is that the muzzle flash of a gunshot ignited fuel vapor/fireworks fuses inside the truck, which then caused a larger explosion of fireworks and other explosive materials.

Trying the queries in ChatGPT today still works, however, the information he requested doesn’t appear to be restricted and could be obtained by most search methods. Still, the suspect’s use of a generative AI tool and the investigators’ ability to track those requests and present them as evidence take questions about AI chatbot guardrails, safety, and privacy out of the hypothetical realm and into our reality.

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China rolls out its crime-fighting ball to chase down criminals

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China rolls out its crime-fighting ball to chase down criminals

China’s latest innovation in policing technology has rolled onto the scene, quite literally. 

The Rotunbot RT-G, developed by Logon Technology, is a spherical robot that’s turning heads and chasing down criminals at impressive speeds. 

This 276-pound mechanical machine is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in law enforcement robotics. Let’s break down what this crime-fighting machine is all about.

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Rotunbot RT-G (Logon Technology)

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A versatile crime-fighting machine

The RT-G is not your average police assistant. This self-balancing sphere can reach speeds of up to 22 mph on both land and water, making it a formidable pursuer of suspects. Its amphibious capabilities allow it to navigate through mud, slush and even dive into rivers, emerging unscathed on the other side.

What sets the RT-G apart is its rapid acceleration. It can hit speeds of about 19 mph in 2.5 seconds, giving it a significant advantage in pursuit scenarios. This quick burst of speed, combined with its ability to handle drops from knee-high ledges and potentially roll down staircases, makes it a persistent and resilient force in the field.

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Rotunbot RT-G (Logon Technology)

THE FUTURE OF SECURITY JUST ROLLED IN, AND HER NAME IS ATHENA

Advanced technology at its core

The Rotunbot RT-G is equipped with an array of advanced sensors and technologies that make it a sophisticated piece of equipment. These include GPS for precise positioning, multiple cameras and ultrasonic sensors for environmental awareness, obstacle avoidance capabilities and threat and target tracking systems. These features enable the RT-G to navigate complex environments while avoiding collisions with people and objects. Additionally, the robot uses gyroscopic self-stabilization to maintain its balance and keep its wide contact patch firmly on the ground, ensuring smooth and quiet operation.

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Rotunbot RT-G (Logon Technology)

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Non-lethal arsenal

For law enforcement purposes, the RT-G comes equipped with a comprehensive range of non-lethal tools designed to manage diverse tactical scenarios. These tools include tear gas dispensers, smoke bomb launchers, high-decibel horns, acoustic crowd dispersal devices and net shooters capable of close-range suspect apprehension.

This sophisticated arsenal allows the robot to handle various situations, from crowd control to individual suspect takedowns, without resorting to lethal force, providing law enforcement with a versatile and humane technological solution.

crime-fighting robot 4

Rotunbot RT-G (Logon Technology)

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Real-world application

The Rotunbot RT-G is not just a concept; it’s already being put to the test. In Wenzhou, a city in China’s Zhejiang province, these robotic spheres are assisting police patrols in commercial zones. This real-world trial is providing valuable insights into the effectiveness and practicality of the RT-G in actual law enforcement scenarios.

However, despite its impressive capabilities, the RT-G is not without its limitations. Video footage shows that the robot can be somewhat unstable when making turns, and its pursuit capabilities may be easily thwarted by a flight of stairs. These challenges highlight the ongoing need for development and improvement in robotic law enforcement technology.

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Rotunbot RT-G (Logon Technology)

Kurt’s key takeaways

The Rotunbot RT-G’s amphibious nature, high-speed capabilities and non-lethal arsenal make it a versatile tool for police forces. However, like any new technology, it raises questions about privacy, surveillance and the increasing automation of policing. The RT-G may be rolling into the future of law enforcement, but we must carefully consider the implications of deploying such advanced robotic systems in our communities.

How do you feel about the increasing use of robotic technology in law enforcement, and what potential risks or benefits do you see emerging from these technological advancements? Let us know what you think by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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The maker of the electric USPS truck is also building garbage robots and EV firefighters

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The maker of the electric USPS truck is also building garbage robots and EV firefighters

Oshkosh, the 108-year-old American company that makes military vehicles and other specialty equipment, has big plans for your neighborhood.

The company appeared at CES in Las Vegas for the first time to announce a raft of new commercial electric vehicles, including plug-in fire engines and garbage trucks as well as AI-powered technology that it says will make these vehicles safer and more convenient.

You may know Oshkosh, which has a lot of credibility as a defense contractor, from its contract with the United States Postal Service to build the first all-electric postal truck. Last year, The Washington Post reported that the project was mired in delays, with only 93 trucks delivered to the USPS as of November.

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Oshkosh’s new AI-powered garbage truck and HARR-E garbage robot
Image: Oshkosh
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But despite these delays, Oshkosh thinks it’s well positioned to help build these next-generation specialty vehicles and says it plans to eventually deliver 165,000 vehicles to USPS, up to 70 percent of which will be electric. The company also announced plans to build a variety of electric and autonomous vehicles for airports, including a robot cargo handler and EVs for construction sites.

But the “neighborhood” EVs, as Oshkosh calls them, stand the chance to be the most visible and impactful — if the company can get them built.

The first vehicle to be announced today is the McNeilus Volterra ZFL, an all-electric front-loader garbage truck with an AI-powered detection system for refuse bins. The sensors detect the location of the garbage cans and communicate with the truck to ensure it’s positioned accurately. Then a robotic arm is deployed to snag the bin and lift it for trash disposal. Oshkosh is also rolling out a new AI-powered, vision-based contamination system to identify and remove items that don’t belong in the waste or recycling streams.

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The company has a range of specialized EVs, including garbage trucks, mail delivery trucks, and fire engines.
Image: Oshkosh

Speaking of robots, Oshkosh has introduced HARR-E, an autonomous electric refuse collection robot that purports to offer on-demand trash and recycling pickup via a smartphone app or virtual home assistant like Amazon Alexa.

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The robot “makes trash removal as easy as ordering an Uber or a Lyft right from your home,” said Jay Iyengar, Oshkosh’s chief technology officer. HARR-E deploys from a central refuse collection area within the neighborhood and navigates to the resident’s home autonomously for collection before returning to the base to unload and recharge.

“Trash removal as easy as ordering an Uber or a Lyft right from your home”

For firefighters, Oshkosh is introducing a new Collision Avoidance Mitigation System, or CAMS, that aims to tell emergency workers when it’s safe to get out of their vehicles. According to Iyengar, “CAMS uses an advanced camera and radar sensor suite with AI to accurately detect the trajectory, the speed and proximity of ongoing vehicles relative to a parked emergency vehicle. CAMS can provide up to two to three seconds of advanced notice of an impending collision, giving an extra layer of safety during roadside operations.”

It’s an ambitious suite of technologies. Oshkosh says it’s up to the task. But political headwinds, including President-elect Donald Trump’s promises to eliminate billions of dollars in EV incentives, could make success more difficult.

Despite this, Oshkosh executives tried to project a sunny outlook. “The reviews on the first vehicle are fantastic,” Oshkosh CEO John Pfeifer said of the new USPS delivery truck. “It’s been written up in a lot of publications about the postal carrier’s responses to the first vehicles. But it’s going exceptionally well.”

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