Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle division, has revealed its latest advancements in self-driving technology with the development of a roomier, more cost-effective robotaxi. Integrated into Geely Zeekr electric vehicles, this new “generation 6” driverless tech promises improved performance across various weather conditions while reducing the need for expensive cameras and sensors.
Innovative Design and Technology
Waymo’s new robotaxi, which was showcased at its Mountain View, California, garage, features a boxier design with enhanced interior space, including a low step, high ceiling, and more legroom. The company has significantly streamlined the sensor suite, reducing the number of onboard cameras from 29 to 13 and the lidar sensors from five to four. Despite this reduction, the vehicle still boasts a 360-degree view to navigate obstacles effectively, with custom-developed sensors equipped with wipers to handle dirt and precipitation.
Faster Development and Deployment
Satish Jeyachandran, Waymo’s vice president of engineering, emphasized that the new generation of robotaxis will reach the market faster than previous versions, thanks to advancements in machine learning and semiconductor technology. This accelerated timeline comes as Waymo scales its existing Waymo One service in cities like San Francisco, Phoenix, Austin, and Los Angeles.
Expanding Services and Fleet
Currently, Waymo provides approximately 50,000 driverless rides weekly, primarily in San Francisco and Phoenix, and has completed over 2 million trips since its launch in 2018. The company recently eliminated its waitlist in San Francisco, opening its services to the public. With a fresh $5 billion investment from Alphabet, Waymo plans to scale its operations further, including integrating the new robotaxis into its fleet alongside existing Jaguar I-PACE vehicles.
Testing and Market Position
Waymo is actively testing its generation 6 robotaxis on public roads with professional drivers on board, focusing on diverse environments in cities like Detroit, Buffalo, and New York to ensure the vehicles perform well in different traffic and weather conditions. While facing limited competition in the U.S., Waymo is positioning itself as a leader in the domestic robotaxi market, with competitors like GM’s Cruise experiencing setbacks and Tesla yet to launch its dedicated robotaxi.
