Articles tagged with "Waymo"
Digging Deeper into Differences Between Tesla Full Self-Driving & Waymo Driver - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica explores the fundamental differences between Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system and Waymo’s autonomous driving approach, emphasizing that the contrast goes far beyond the commonly cited “cameras vs. lidar” debate. A key insight is that Waymo’s rapid scaling to new cities is primarily driven by its advanced training infrastructure, leveraging Google’s TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) pods and the JAX machine learning framework, which it shares with Google DeepMind’s Gemini model. Waymo employs a single large “Foundation Model” trained on diverse data from multiple cities, enabling generalization and faster deployment. This is complemented by a sophisticated simulation engine, Waymax, which allows extensive virtual testing to validate safety before physical fleet deployment, significantly reducing the timeline for expansion. The article highlights a philosophical divergence in how each company conceptualizes the driving task. Tesla’s “Reflex” approach treats driving as a biological process of vision and reaction, using an end-to-end neural network that processes
robotautonomous-vehiclesAImachine-learningsimulationTeslaWaymoWaymo to issue software recall over how robotaxis behave around school buses
Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous vehicle company, plans to voluntarily issue a software recall with federal safety regulators concerning how its robotaxis behave around school buses. This decision follows scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and criticism from officials in Atlanta and Austin after incidents where Waymo vehicles improperly maneuvered around stopped school buses with extended stop signs and flashing lights. NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened an inquiry in October after footage showed a Waymo robotaxi crossing in front of a stopped school bus in Atlanta. Similar incidents were reported in Austin, where Waymo operates with Uber, prompting further regulatory attention. Waymo updated its software on November 17, claiming the update improved performance beyond that of human drivers in these scenarios. However, Austin school officials reported multiple illegal passes by Waymo vehicles even after the update, leading NHTSA to request more information from the company. Despite no injuries linked to these behaviors, Waymo’s Chief Safety Officer Mauricio Peña emphasized the
robotautonomous-vehiclessoftware-recallWaymoself-driving-technologytransportation-safetyNHTSAWaymo Now on DoorDash ... - CleanTechnica
Waymo has partnered with DoorDash to launch fully autonomous delivery services in the Phoenix metro area, starting with DashMart locations. Customers selecting the Standard delivery option on the DoorDash app may have their orders delivered by Waymo’s self-driving vehicles. When assigned a Waymo vehicle, customers receive instructions via the app to unlock the trunk and retrieve their order, streamlining the autonomous delivery process. This initiative marks a significant step in integrating autonomous technology into local commerce, although it raises concerns about the impact on human delivery jobs. The service currently focuses on DashMart deliveries, with plans to expand to more local merchants in the future. Phoenix, known for its favorable weather conditions for self-driving technology, continues to be a primary testing ground and launch city for Waymo’s innovations. The article also speculates on the potential expansion of this partnership to other cities where Waymo’s robotaxi services are active or soon to be active, including major markets like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, and Atlanta. This
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymodelivery-robotsself-driving-technologyDoorDashurban-mobilityNew ‘KnoWay’ robotaxis cause chaos in upcoming Grand Theft Auto Online DLC
The latest Grand Theft Auto Online expansion, titled “A Safehouse in the Hills,” introduces robotaxis from a fictional company called “KnoWay.” These autonomous vans, resembling early Waymo Chrysler Pacifica models, are depicted causing chaos by swerving through traffic, crashing into vehicles, and destroying billboards. The DLC, releasing December 10, features a storyline involving an AI assistant named “Haviland” and centers on players attempting to thwart the development of a mass surveillance network, suggesting the rogue behavior of the robotaxis is part of the narrative. Rockstar Games appears to draw inspiration from real-world controversies surrounding Waymo’s autonomous vehicles, which have faced criticism for privacy concerns and have been targeted by vandalism in various cities. The game’s tagline for KnoWay’s service, “We Kno where you’re going,” echoes surveillance anxieties. While Waymo has publicly committed to resisting unlawful government data requests and condemned vandalism against its fleet, the game’s chaotic portrayal taps into ongoing tensions
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxisAI-assistantsurveillanceWaymogaming-technologyNew ‘KnoWay’ robotaxis cause chaos in new Grand Theft Auto Online DLC
The latest Grand Theft Auto Online expansion, titled “A Safehouse in the Hills,” introduces robotaxis from a fictional company called “KnoWay.” These autonomous vans, visually reminiscent of early Waymo Chrysler Pacifica models, are depicted causing chaos by swerving recklessly, crashing into vehicles, and destroying billboards. The DLC, available from December 10, features a storyline where players are tasked with stopping the development of a mass surveillance network, hinting that the robotaxis may have gone rogue. An AI assistant named “Haviland” is also teased, suggesting a broader tech-centric narrative. Rockstar Games appears to be drawing on real-world controversies surrounding autonomous vehicle companies like Waymo, whose vehicles have faced criticism and vandalism due to privacy concerns and their perceived role in surveillance. The in-game tagline for KnoWay’s service—“We Kno where you’re going”—echoes these privacy anxieties. Waymo has publicly opposed overly broad government requests for data and condemned vandalism against
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxisAI-assistanttransportation-technologysurveillanceWaymoWaymo Speeds Into More Cities! - CleanTechnica
Waymo is rapidly expanding its autonomous ride-hailing service into four new U.S. cities: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and St. Louis. This marks a significant acceleration in the company’s scaling efforts, which were initially expected to pick up more gradually in 2025 and 2026. In Philadelphia, Waymo has progressed from manual to autonomous testing and plans to move toward fully autonomous operations and a public launch in the future, though no specific timeline has been provided. The company is also engaging with local communities, including organizations focused on accessibility, to align its service with city transportation goals. In Pittsburgh, Waymo is beginning manual driving tests in the downtown area and aims to validate its technology over the coming months before a future public launch, possibly in 2026. The city holds historical significance in autonomous vehicle development, with ties to Carnegie Mellon University and early DARPA challenges. Similarly, in Baltimore, Waymo has started manual driving and is working with state officials to establish a regulatory framework
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoself-driving-carsurban-mobilitytransportation-technologyAI-roboticsRobot Talk Episode 136 – Making driverless vehicles smarter, with Shimon Whiteson - Robohub
In episode 136 of the Robot Talk podcast, Claire interviews Shimon Whiteson, a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Oxford and Senior Staff Research Scientist at Waymo UK, about advancements in machine learning for autonomous vehicles. Whiteson’s expertise lies in deep reinforcement learning and imitation learning, which he applies to robotics and video games. His academic journey includes a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin and faculty positions at the University of Amsterdam and Oxford. Notably, his spin-out company Latent Logic was acquired by Waymo in 2019, highlighting his significant contributions to the field. The discussion centers on how machine learning techniques are enhancing the intelligence and safety of driverless vehicles. Whiteson’s work at Waymo involves developing algorithms that enable autonomous cars to learn from complex environments and human behavior, improving their decision-making capabilities. This episode offers insights into the cutting-edge research driving the evolution of self-driving technology and the integration of AI in real-world applications.
roboticsautonomous-vehiclesmachine-learningdeep-reinforcement-learningimitation-learningartificial-intelligenceWaymoWhy Autonomous Vehicles Need Billions of Miles Before We Can Trust the Trend Lines - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the current state of safety evidence for autonomous vehicles (AVs), focusing on Waymo’s reported data after roughly 100 million rider-only miles. Jonathan Slotkin’s analysis highlights that Waymo’s autonomous system shows significantly fewer airbag deployments, injuries, and serious crashes compared to human drivers, suggesting that AV technology can improve road safety. However, the article cautions that while these early results are promising, the sample size is still relatively small, and the "law of small numbers" warns against overinterpreting early data that may be statistically volatile or misleading. This concept is illustrated by the Gates Foundation’s small-schools initiative, where initial positive results did not scale as expected due to small sample sizes. The article emphasizes the enormous public health burden caused by human-driven vehicle crashes, which result in high fatalities, injuries, and economic costs globally. Human drivers are prone to errors such as distraction, fatigue, and rule-breaking, whereas autonomous systems do not suffer from these limitations. Therefore,
robotautonomous-vehiclestransportation-safetymachine-learningartificial-intelligenceWaymoself-driving-carsFeds ask Waymo about robotaxis repeatedly passing school buses in Austin
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has requested detailed information from Waymo regarding its self-driving system and operations after the Austin School District reported 19 instances in 2025-26 where Waymo’s robotaxis illegally passed stopped school buses. This inquiry follows an ongoing investigation initiated in October 2025 by NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), triggered by footage showing a Waymo autonomous vehicle maneuvering dangerously around a stopped school bus in Atlanta. Waymo acknowledged the incident, attributing it to limited visibility caused by the bus partially blocking a driveway, and subsequently issued a software update aimed at improving safety. Despite this, the Austin School District reported continued violations, including at least five occurrences after the November 17 software update. Waymo maintains that safety is its top priority and claims its robotaxis have significantly reduced injury-related crashes compared to human drivers. The company asserts that its software updates have meaningfully improved performance, surpassing human driver safety in this area
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoself-driving-technologytraffic-safetysoftware-updatesNHTSACar Crashes Are A Public Health Crisis. Autonomous Cars Are The Cure. - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the severe public health crisis posed by motor vehicle accidents in the United States, where nearly 40,000 people die and about 6 million collisions occur annually. Neurosurgeon Jonathan Slotkin, who frequently treats crash victims, analyzed safety data from Waymo, a leading autonomous vehicle company that uniquely publishes comprehensive accident reports. His analysis of nearly 100 million driverless miles across four U.S. cities through mid-2025 revealed that Waymo’s self-driving cars experienced 91% fewer serious injury or fatal crashes and 80% fewer injury-causing crashes overall compared to human drivers on the same roads. Notably, injury-causing crashes at intersections—a common site of deadly accidents—were 96% lower with Waymo vehicles. Slotkin argues that autonomous vehicles represent a major public health breakthrough because they strictly follow traffic rules, maintain constant awareness, and avoid distractions and high-speed conflicts that often lead to fatal crashes. While acknowledging that the technology is not flawless—citing minor incidents
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-carsWaymotraffic-safetyAI-in-transportationpublic-health-technologyWaymo starts autonomous testing in Philadelphia
Waymo has expanded its autonomous vehicle testing to Philadelphia, marking the addition of a fourth city to its robotaxi rollout efforts. Alongside Philadelphia, the company is beginning manual driving data collection in Baltimore, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh. While Waymo has not provided specific timelines for commercial service launches in these new cities or confirmed potential partnerships, the move adds to its presence in over 20 cities where it is either offering rides, preparing for commercial launches, or conducting tests. Notably, Waymo also operates autonomous rides on freeways in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and the San Francisco Bay Area, aiming to reach one million rides per week by the end of 2026. Despite these advancements, Waymo faces scrutiny regarding safety concerns. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating incidents involving Waymo vehicles driving around stopped school buses, including footage from Atlanta in September. Further reports from Austin indicate that Waymo vehicles have repeatedly driven past school buses during loading and unloading, even
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxiself-driving-carstransportation-technologyAI-in-roboticsWaymo IS Entering San Diego, and More - CleanTechnica
Waymo has officially announced plans to expand its fully autonomous robotaxi service to San Diego by mid-2026, marking a significant extension of its operations in California. Although some customers were initially confused by the announcement—mistaking the green-highlighted “DNV permitted area” on maps as current service zones—Waymo clarified that San Diego is a future market where it has recently received regulatory permission to operate fully autonomously. This expansion is part of Waymo’s broader rapid rollout strategy across multiple cities. In addition to San Diego, Waymo is currently laying the groundwork for commercial robotaxi services in Tampa, New Orleans, and Minneapolis. The company is actively engaging potential users for feedback and registrations to help shape its service areas. Waymo also continues to promote its technology and partnerships through frequent updates on social media, including collaborations with Metro Los Angeles to offer rider discounts and integrate Mobility Wallet, as well as sharing videos demonstrating the capabilities of its autonomous driving system. These announcements often appear on Twitter rather than
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoself-driving-carsAImobilitytransportation-technologyTechCrunch Mobility: Searching for the robotaxi tipping point
The article from TechCrunch Mobility discusses recent developments and the future outlook of robotaxi services, highlighting Waymo’s aggressive expansion plans. Waymo currently operates commercial robotaxi services in several U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco, and plans to begin manual driving phases in new cities next year as a step toward fully driverless deployment. By 2026, Waymo aims to launch services in additional major cities such as Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, and international markets including London and Tokyo. Other players like Tesla and Zoox are also making strides, with Tesla clearing regulatory hurdles and Zoox expanding its early rider program. Despite these advances, the article argues that robotaxis have not yet reached a societal tipping point where they fundamentally change transportation habits. Achieving this tipping point will require broader geographic saturation beyond tech-centric cities, competition to drive innovation and affordability, and the emergence of an ecosystem of supporting startups and businesses that benefit
robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclesWaymoself-driving-carsmobilitytransportation-technologyNew Waymo Robotaxi Custom Built By Zeekr Spotted in San Diego - CleanTechnica
Waymo has partnered with Chinese electric vehicle startup Zeekr to develop custom-designed robotaxi vehicles for its autonomous ride-hailing operations. Despite geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions between the US and China, these Zeekr-built Waymo robotaxis have been spotted testing in San Diego, California, marking a significant step toward their deployment. This collaboration is notable given Waymo’s US market focus and the unusual nature of a US-China partnership in this sector. While Waymo has not officially announced plans to launch service in San Diego, the presence of these test vehicles suggests an imminent expansion to the city. Waymo already operates robotaxi services in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix, and San Diego is widely expected to be among the next launch locations. The article highlights this development as a key milestone in Waymo’s broader rollout strategy for its autonomous taxi service.
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiWaymoZeekrelectric-vehiclestransportation-technologyWaymo gets regulatory approval to expand across Bay Area and Southern California
Waymo, the autonomous robotaxi company, has received regulatory approval to significantly expand its operational territory across the Bay Area and Southern California. In the Bay Area, the approved regions now include most of the East Bay, North Bay (including Napa/Wine Country), and Sacramento. In Southern California, Waymo’s authorized area extends from Santa Clarita north of Los Angeles down to San Diego. However, the company still requires additional regulatory clearance before it can begin carrying paying passengers in some of these newly approved regions. While specific timelines for launching rides in all these areas remain unclear, Waymo announced plans to start offering rides in San Diego by mid-2026. This expansion aligns with the company’s broader strategy to launch services next year in multiple other cities including Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Nashville, Orlando, San Antonio, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. Recent company updates also highlight ongoing progress toward commercial launches in Miami and expanded operations in Los Angeles, San Francisco
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxiself-driving-carstransportation-technologymobilityWaymo is starting robotaxi testing in three more cities - The Robot Report
Waymo has announced plans to expand its robotaxi service to three additional U.S. cities: New Orleans, Minneapolis, and Tampa, Florida, initiating groundwork for commercial launches without specifying exact timelines. This expansion follows recent announcements to bring autonomous vehicles (AVs) to Miami, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando. Currently, Waymo operates robotaxi services in Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco, with recent enhancements allowing AV rides on freeways in the San Francisco Bay Area, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. The company boasts over 100 million fully autonomous miles driven on public roads, more than 10 million paid rides, and currently provides over 250,000 rides weekly. Looking ahead, Waymo aims for significant growth in 2026, targeting expansions or new launches in numerous cities including Nashville, Las Vegas, San Diego, Detroit, Washington D.C., Seattle, and Denver. Notably, deployments in cities like Detroit and Minneapolis will test Waymo’s
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiWaymoself-driving-carsurban-mobilitytransportation-technologyWaymo enters 3 more cities: Minneapolis, New Orleans and Tampa
Waymo is expanding its autonomous vehicle operations to three new U.S. cities: Minneapolis, New Orleans, and Tampa. The company plans to begin manually driving its vehicles in these locations shortly to test and validate its driverless technology before launching commercial robotaxi services. These additions complement Waymo’s existing presence in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, Austin, and Atlanta, with further expansions planned for 2026 in numerous other major cities including Dallas, Denver, and Miami. Waymo is also testing in New York City and aims to start international commercial rides in London and Tokyo. The new cities present unique challenges for Waymo’s technology. Minneapolis’s harsh winter conditions and snow could complicate the vehicle’s perception and traction systems, while New Orleans’s narrow, pedestrian-heavy streets, especially in the French Quarter, require precise navigation. Waymo has partnered with local companies to operate its fleets in some cities, such as Uber in Austin and Atlanta, Moove in Phoenix and Miami, and Avis
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxiself-driving-technologyurban-mobilitydriverless-carsWaymo's Rollout In 5 New Cities Begins Today - CleanTechnica
Waymo has officially begun rolling out its fully autonomous robotaxi services in five new U.S. cities, starting with Miami, Florida, as of today. While the vehicles are not yet broadly available to the public, the company is in the final stages of testing, having removed safety drivers from the cars and allowing employees to ride autonomously. Over the coming weeks, Waymo plans to launch similar operations in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando, with plans to open the service to riders in these cities by early 2026. This expansion marks a significant acceleration from previous years, moving beyond incremental territory growth to deploying fully driverless vehicles in multiple new markets simultaneously. Waymo emphasizes that its approach to entering new cities is consistent and data-driven, involving benchmarking driving performance against proven baselines and refining its AI to handle local driving nuances—though these nuances are decreasing with each new city. This iterative improvement cycle, supported by extensive real-world and simulated testing, enables the company to deliver a uniformly
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoAIrobotaxiself-driving-carsurban-mobilityWaymo launching driverless robotaxis in 5 more cities
Waymo is expanding its driverless robotaxi services by removing human safety drivers in Miami starting immediately and plans to do the same in four additional cities over the coming weeks. Initially, these fully autonomous rides will be available only to Waymo employees, with public access expected to begin in 2026. This expansion doubles the number of cities where Waymo operates without human specialists in the vehicle, reflecting advancements in their AI, hardware, and operational safety. To date, Waymo’s robotaxis have driven over 100 million fully autonomous miles and completed more than 10 million paid rides, currently providing over 250,000 rides per week. In 2025, Waymo has broadened its service conditions by enabling robotaxi rides on freeways in the San Francisco Bay Area, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, and expanded its coverage in the Bay Area to include San Jose and airport curbside service. The company is also testing operations in challenging environments such as New York City, Washington, D.C.,
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiAIWaymodriverless-technologysmart-transportationWaymo removes safety drivers in Miami ahead of 2026 launch
Waymo has begun removing safety drivers from its autonomous robotaxi fleet in Miami, marking a significant step toward its planned commercial launch in 2026. Starting immediately, fully driverless rides will be offered to employees in Miami, with similar rollouts scheduled soon in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando. This move follows Waymo’s recent milestone of providing paid autonomous rides on highways in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix. Throughout 2023, Waymo has expanded aggressively, launching services in cities like Atlanta and Austin, partnering with companies such as Uber, and introducing a corporate travel program. Waymo faces growing competition in the U.S. robotaxi market from companies like Amazon-owned Zoox, which is offering free rides to early users in San Francisco and Las Vegas, and Tesla, which is testing its own service in Austin but still requires safety operators. Despite these challenges, Waymo expresses strong confidence in its technology and operational expertise, aiming to offer rides in additional cities including Detroit,
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxisself-driving-technologytransportation-technologymobility-innovationBeloved SF cat’s death fuels Waymo criticism
The death of Kit Kat, a beloved neighborhood bodega cat in San Francisco’s Mission District, after being struck by a Waymo robotaxi on October 27, 2025, has sparked significant local outcry and criticism of autonomous vehicle operations. Residents created a shrine to honor Kit Kat, and the area has seen competing signs—some condemning Waymo, others highlighting the many fatalities caused by human drivers. The incident has intensified debates about accountability and safety in the deployment of driverless cars. Jackie Fielder, a member of San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors representing the Mission District, is advocating for a city resolution that would empower local voters to decide whether driverless cars should be permitted in their neighborhoods. Fielder emphasized the lack of direct accountability with autonomous vehicles, contrasting it with human drivers who can be held responsible and confronted after incidents. Waymo responded by describing the event as the cat unexpectedly darting under the vehicle and expressed condolences to the cat’s owner and the community. The
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxidriverless-carsAI-safetyurban-transportationTechCrunch Mobility: The robotaxi expansion that really matters
The article from TechCrunch Mobility highlights the significance of Waymo’s recent expansion of its robotaxi service onto freeways in major metropolitan areas like the San Francisco Bay Area, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. While Waymo has announced plans to enter numerous cities including Detroit, Las Vegas, and Washington, D.C., the author argues that freeway access is a more critical development. This expansion enables more efficient routing—potentially reducing ride times by up to 50%—and is essential for connecting key locations such as the San Francisco Airport, which Waymo is currently testing. This freeway-to-airport connectivity is seen as a pivotal moment for Waymo’s commercial viability, though the company’s profitability remains uncertain without access to its financials. The article also touches on other notable industry developments. Lucid Motors is reportedly close to naming a permanent CEO after nearly nine months with an interim leader, likely promoting Marc Winterhoff back to COO. In the autonomous vehicle sector, Swedish startup Einride is pursuing a SP
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiWaymotransportation-technologymobilityelectric-vehiclesTesla releases detailed safety report after Waymo co-CEO called for more data
Tesla has released a detailed safety report on its Full Self-Driving (FSD) (Supervised) software, providing new data on its performance and collision rates in North America. According to Tesla, drivers using FSD travel approximately 2.9 million miles between major collisions and about 986,000 miles between minor collisions. These figures are significantly better than the national averages reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which indicate a major collision every 505,000 miles and a minor collision every 178,000 miles. Tesla defines major collisions as those involving airbag deployment or other irreversible restraints and includes incidents where FSD was active within five seconds before a collision, capturing a broad range of scenarios. This release follows calls from Waymo’s co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana for greater transparency from companies deploying autonomous driving technologies. Mawakana criticized the lack of publicly available data from companies like Tesla, emphasizing the responsibility to share safety information when removing drivers from behind the
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslaWaymodriver-assistance-systemsvehicle-safetyself-driving-technologyWaymo’s highway driving sets stage for wider robotaxi expansion
Waymo has announced the expansion of its robotaxi services to include freeway driving across the San Francisco Bay Area, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, starting with a limited number of public riders and plans to grow this user base in the coming months. The company has also extended its San Francisco Bay Area service coverage down to San Jose, including curbside pickup at San Jose Mineta International Airport. This marks a shift from Waymo’s previous focus on urban and suburban areas, reflecting over a year of extensive freeway testing. Waymo plans to introduce freeway capabilities to its Austin and Atlanta deployments in the future. Currently, Waymo operates in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin, having driven over 100 million fully autonomous miles and provided more than 10 million paid rides, with weekly figures exceeding 2 million autonomous miles and 250,000 rides. In 2025, Waymo is actively expanding to new cities, announcing upcoming launches in Las Vegas, San Diego, and Detroit with a mixed
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiWaymoself-driving-carsroboticstransportation-technologySafety Audit of Waymo Comes to Some Surprising Findings — NOT! - CleanTechnica
The article discusses Waymo’s recent achievement as the first autonomous driving company to complete independent, third-party audits of its safety case program and remote assistance program, conducted by TÜV SÜD, a global leader in safety testing and certification. Waymo’s approach to developing its self-driving taxi business has been characterized as slow and methodical, prioritizing safety and thoroughness over rapid expansion. This careful strategy has resulted in a strong safety foundation, with the audits confirming that Waymo’s safety case program meets leading industry standards, including the International Standards for Systems and Software Assurance. A safety case, as explained by Waymo, is a formal documentation process that demonstrates how the company determines its fully autonomous system is safe for public road deployment without a human driver. The TÜV SÜD audit involved a comprehensive review of Waymo’s policies, evidence, and operational procedures, as well as interviews with team members to verify consistent application. The remote assistance program, which provides contextual information to vehicles to support autonomous
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoself-driving-technologysafety-auditTÜV-SÜDremote-assistance-programBoom — Waymo Takes The Freeway (+ Important Note On Waymo's Approach) - CleanTechnica
Waymo has made a significant advancement by beginning to offer fully autonomous rides on freeways in the San Francisco Bay Area, marking a major expansion in its service coverage. Historically, Waymo avoided freeway driving due to its complexity, but this new development improves trip efficiency and connectivity between cities, metro areas, and key locations like airports. Notably, these freeway rides operate without safety drivers behind the wheel, underscoring Waymo’s confidence in its technology after extensive testing and prioritization of safety. The company plans to extend freeway service to other cities such as Phoenix, Los Angeles, Austin, and Atlanta as it continues to grow. The article highlights Waymo’s cautious and thorough approach to mastering freeway autonomy, emphasizing that while freeway driving may seem easier, it presents unique challenges, including fewer critical events to train the system on rare scenarios. Waymo has relied heavily on closed-course testing and simulation to overcome these hurdles. This careful development process has built a strong foundation for rapid future expansion. The move to
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoself-driving-technologyAItransportationfreeway-drivingWaymo robotaxis are now giving rides on freeways in LA, San Francisco, and Phoenix
Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company that evolved from Google's self-driving project, has announced that its robotaxi service will now operate on freeways in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. This marks a significant milestone, as freeway driving had remained a challenge despite early testing. The freeway capability is expected to reduce ride times by up to 50%, improving travel efficiency across sprawling metro areas and enabling rides to and from key locations like the San Francisco Airport. Initially, freeway rides will be available selectively to users who indicate a preference in the Waymo app, with robotaxi routes expanding to include San Jose and creating a 260-mile unified service area. Waymo’s approach to freeway driving involved extensive testing beyond public roads, including closed course and simulation environments, to address the unique challenges of autonomous freeway navigation without human backup. The company emphasized the complexity of mastering freeway driving at scale, highlighting the rarity of critical events on highways that make system validation difficult. Operational protocols have also been enhanced to coordinate with safety
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-carsWaymorobotaxitransportation-technologyAI-roboticsWaymo’s robotaxi expansion accelerates with 3 new cities
Waymo announced plans to expand its robotaxi service to three new cities—Detroit, Las Vegas, and San Diego—marking a significant acceleration in its commercial rollout. This move reflects Waymo’s transition from primarily developing autonomous vehicle technology to operating a large-scale commercial enterprise. The company aims to offer 1 million trips per week by the end of 2026, up from over 250,000 rides per week reported in April 2025. Waymo’s expansion strategy involves initially deploying human-driven vehicles to map city streets, followed by driverless testing phases before opening services to employees, media, select consumers, and eventually the general public. Waymo will introduce a fleet of self-driving Jaguar I-Pace and Zeekr RT vehicles in the three new markets, leveraging its experience in these cities and its engineering presence in Detroit. The company has prepared for challenging conditions such as Detroit’s winter weather by extensive testing in the region. This rapid expansion is attributed to Waymo’s generalized self-driving
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiself-driving-technologyWaymourban-mobilityAI-transportationWaymo is bringing its robotaxis to Las Vegas, San Diego, and Detroit - The Robot Report
Waymo has announced the expansion of its autonomous ride-hailing service to three new U.S. cities: Las Vegas, San Diego, and Detroit. The company began driving its fleet—comprising Jaguar I-PACE and Zeekr RT vehicles equipped with its sixth-generation Waymo Driver—in these cities, with plans to start rider services in San Diego in 2025 and Las Vegas in mid-2026; no timeline was provided for Detroit. This expansion follows Waymo’s recent announcement to launch robotaxi services in London in 2026 and ongoing international testing in Tokyo. Domestically, Waymo currently operates in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin, having driven over 100 million fully autonomous miles and provided more than 10 million paid rides. The company aims to further expand to cities including Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, and Nashville. A significant focus of Waymo’s development is adapting its technology for challenging weather conditions, particularly snow, which none of its current operational cities
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxisself-driving-technologysensorsautonomous-drivingCan Waymo Handle the Snow? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses Waymo’s efforts to enable its autonomous robotaxis to operate safely and reliably in snowy and winter weather conditions, which have historically posed significant challenges for self-driving technology. While robotaxis have mostly been deployed in snow-free cities, Waymo has been proactively addressing the complexities of winter driving by developing a systematic approach that includes understanding the diverse challenges snow presents, designing adaptable solutions, rigorously validating capabilities, and scaling responsibly. The company has accumulated tens of thousands of miles driving in some of the snowiest U.S. regions, such as Upstate New York and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, allowing its AI to learn from real-world winter conditions ranging from light dustings to whiteouts and icy roads. Waymo’s approach centers on creating a single autonomous system that can perform consistently across varied environments, from foggy San Francisco to snowy Denver. The Waymo Driver integrates multiple sensors—cameras, radar, and lidar—with automated cleaning and heating elements to maintain sensor clarity in inc
robotautonomous-vehiclesAIWaymowinter-drivingsnow-navigationsmart-transportationWaymo’s co-CEO on the challenge of scaling robotaxis safely
Waymo’s co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana emphasized the critical need to scale the company’s robotaxi operations safely during her interview at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. She highlighted that achieving scale is essential not only for Waymo’s path to profitability but also for improving road safety, asserting that Waymo’s autonomous vehicles currently operate at a safety level surpassing typical human drivers. The company is aggressively expanding its service footprint, planning launches in multiple U.S. cities—including Washington D.C., Miami, Denver, Dallas, Seattle, and Nashville—and internationally in London by 2026. Waymo aims to offer 1 million trips per week by the end of 2026, leveraging partnerships with Uber, Lyft, and Avis to accelerate growth. Mawakana also addressed the challenges of safely scaling robotaxi services, acknowledging that while perfection is unattainable, transparency and accountability remain paramount. She criticized competitors for lacking sufficient openness about their safety records, stating that transparency is necessary to earn public
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxitransportation-technologyroad-safetyAI-in-transportationWaymo co-CEO on robotaxi vandalism: ‘We’re not standing for it’
Waymo, the leading robotaxi operator in the U.S., has faced repeated vandalism attacks on its vehicles over the past year, most recently in Los Angeles. Co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana condemned these acts as criminal and unacceptable, emphasizing the company’s commitment to working closely with law enforcement to hold perpetrators accountable. She stressed that damaging property, regardless of ownership, will not be tolerated. The vandalism is partly driven by broader public concerns over privacy, surveillance, and resistance to tech companies amid heightened political tensions during the second Trump administration. Mawakana reaffirmed Waymo’s stance against complying with government requests for vehicle footage that are deemed overly broad or unlawful. To improve community relations and change perceptions, Waymo has introduced local artists’ designs on some of its cars. Despite these efforts, the company continues to collaborate with first responders to address vandalism, highlighting that such acts do not enhance public safety and are unwelcome in any city.
robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclesWaymovandalismtransportation-technologysmart-mobilityRobotaxi companies must do more to prove safety, Waymo co-CEO says
Waymo co-CEO Takedra Mawakana emphasized that autonomous vehicle companies must do more to demonstrate the safety of their technologies. In a recent interview, she expressed skepticism about other companies’ transparency regarding their robotaxi fleets, stating that without clear data, it is difficult to identify who is genuinely contributing to safer roads. Mawakana highlighted Waymo’s own safety data, which claims their vehicles are five times safer than human drivers overall and 12 times safer concerning pedestrian safety, underscoring the importance of prioritizing safety while scaling operations. Mawakana did not explicitly name competitors but implicitly referenced companies like Tesla, which publishes quarterly safety reports focused on its Autopilot system used mainly on highways, where crash rates are lower. Tesla has not shared public safety data on its emerging robotaxi pilot in Austin, Texas. Other players such as Zoox, May Mobility, Pony AI, and Aurora are either in early deployment or testing phases, with varying levels of public safety disclosure. Mawak
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiWaymoself-driving-technologyvehicle-safetytransportation-technologyWaymo at Nearly 1 Million Paid Trips a Month in California - CleanTechnica
Waymo has experienced rapid growth in its autonomous ride-hailing service in California, reaching approximately 876,000 paid driverless trips per month as of May 2025. This figure represents a sixfold increase compared to May 2024 and an astonishing 69-fold increase since August 2023, highlighting the company’s aggressive scaling phase in the state. While Waymo has not officially announced reaching the milestone of one million monthly trips, publicly available data from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) suggests it may be close. The company’s expansion is primarily focused on California, but it is also continuing testing and promotional activities in other markets like New York. Waymo’s growth trajectory indicates significant potential for further increases in autonomous ride volumes over the next few years. This rapid scaling underscores Waymo’s position as a leading player in the self-driving taxi industry, with ongoing developments and marketing efforts supporting its broader adoption.
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoself-driving-carstransportation-technologyAI-roboticsmobility-innovationWaymo plans to bring driverless robotaxis to London in 2026 - The Robot Report
Waymo LLC announced plans to launch its fully driverless robotaxi services in London by 2026, aiming to integrate with the city's extensive public transportation infrastructure. The company, which has already accumulated over 100 million autonomous miles and provided more than 10 million paid rides in the U.S., intends to collaborate with its fleet partner Moove and engage local authorities to secure necessary permissions. Waymo’s existing presence in the U.K. includes engineering hubs in London and Oxford, and partnerships with British automaker Jaguar Land Rover, whose electric I-PACE vehicles are equipped with Waymo’s autonomous driving technology. The initiative aligns with London’s transportation goals, particularly reducing road injuries and fatalities, as Waymo’s data indicates its vehicles are involved in significantly fewer injury-causing collisions compared to human drivers. The U.K. government supports the move, highlighting the potential for job creation, investment, and technological leadership. Beyond London, Waymo is expanding its robotaxi services globally, with ongoing testing in Tokyo and
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiWaymoelectric-vehiclesdriverless-technologytransportation-innovationRegulators probe Waymo after its robotaxi drove around a stopped school bus
Federal safety regulators have launched an investigation into Waymo after a robotaxi was observed driving around a stopped school bus with flashing red lights in Atlanta, Georgia. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is examining how Waymo’s self-driving software handles encounters with stopped school buses and whether it complies with relevant traffic rules. The incident involved the autonomous vehicle crossing in front of the bus and then turning around it, with Waymo stating that the bus partially blocked the robotaxi’s driveway and that the vehicle could not see the bus’s flashing lights or stop sign. Waymo has since issued software updates aimed at improving performance. This investigation follows previous NHTSA probes into Waymo’s autonomous vehicles, including issues with navigating roadway barriers and mistakenly entering wrong lanes or construction zones. Despite these challenges, Waymo emphasizes safety as a top priority and highlights its extensive experience operating hundreds of thousands of autonomous trips weekly across multiple U.S. cities. The company
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoself-driving-carsrobotaxiNHTSA-investigationtransportation-technologyWaymo Moves Again, Partners With DoorDash - CleanTechnica
Waymo has announced a new partnership with DoorDash to begin autonomous vehicle deliveries in Phoenix, Arizona, the city where Waymo first launched its robotaxi service. Starting in the coming months, DoorDash customers in Metro Phoenix may opt into receiving deliveries via fully autonomous Waymo vehicles, initially focusing on orders from DashMart convenience and grocery stores, with plans to expand to more local merchants and product offerings over time. Customers will use the DoorDash app to select autonomous delivery and unlock the vehicle’s trunk upon arrival, enabling a contact-free delivery experience. This collaboration builds on Waymo’s established presence and safety record in Phoenix, where its autonomous vehicles have logged over 100 million miles and completed more than 10 million trips, reportedly driving more safely than the average American driver. Waymo emphasizes that this pilot approach—testing and gradually expanding—aligns with its strategy to scale its autonomous services responsibly. Additionally, DoorDash’s DashPass members can access promotional offers for Waymo’s ride-hailing service in
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoDoorDashdelivery-robotsrobotaxiself-driving-technologyWaymo dips its wheels back into delivery, this time with DoorDash
Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous vehicle company, is expanding its delivery experiments in Phoenix through a new multi-year partnership with DoorDash. While Waymo is primarily known for its robotaxi services, it has previously explored delivery via pilot programs with Uber Eats and self-driving trucks, though it discontinued the latter in 2023 to refocus on robotaxis. This latest collaboration will enable DoorDash customers within a 315-square-mile area of Phoenix to receive food and grocery deliveries from DashMart convenience stores using Waymo’s driverless Jaguar I-Pace vehicles. Initially limited to DashMart orders, the service aims to eventually include more local merchants and a broader range of products. The delivery process involves placing orders in the trunk of the autonomous vehicle, which then navigates to the customer’s location without a driver. Customers retrieve their items from the trunk via the DoorDash app, marking a critical test of whether autonomous delivery can match or surpass the convenience of traditional human handoffs. DoorDash brings prior autonomous experience
robotautonomous-vehiclesdelivery-robotsWaymoDoorDashself-driving-technologyurban-mobilityWaymo Crosses the Ocean - CleanTechnica
Waymo has announced a major international expansion of its robotaxi service, bringing fully autonomous ride-hailing to London in 2026. Unlike previous U.S. expansions that involved partnerships with Uber or Lyft, Waymo will offer direct customer access through its own app in London, supported by fleet partner Moove. The company plans to begin groundwork and testing in the coming months, leveraging its extensive experience of over 100 million autonomous miles driven and more than ten million paid rides in the U.S. Waymo’s co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana highlighted the company’s commitment to improving road safety and accessibility through responsible scaling of autonomous technology. Waymo’s UK expansion builds on existing ties, including engineering hubs in London and Oxford focused on advanced simulation for autonomous driving, and a partnership with British automaker Jaguar Land Rover, whose electric I-PACEs equipped with Waymo’s technology are already operating in the U.S. The UK government has expressed strong support for the move, with Secretary of State for
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxitransportation-technologyelectric-vehiclesUK-expansionWaymo plans to launch a robotaxi service in London in 2026
Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous vehicle company, announced plans to launch a commercial robotaxi service in London in 2026, marking its second international expansion after Tokyo. The service will initially deploy all-electric Jaguar I-Pace vehicles equipped with Waymo’s self-driving technology. The rollout will begin with human safety drivers behind the wheel, progressing to driverless testing and eventually allowing the public to hail robotaxis. The timing of the fully driverless service depends on the UK government’s approval process. Waymo will partner with Moove, a fleet operations company already active in Phoenix, to manage the London fleet. This move builds on Waymo’s existing UK presence, including its 2019 acquisition of Oxbotica, a UK startup specializing in self-driving simulation technology, and the establishment of an engineering hub in Oxford. Waymo has expanded its robotaxi operations across multiple U.S. cities such as Phoenix, Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, often collaborating with partners like Uber to
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiself-driving-technologyelectric-vehiclesWaymotransportation-innovationWaymo can keep testing robotaxis in NYC until end of 2025
New York City regulators have extended Waymo’s autonomous vehicle testing permit through the end of 2025, allowing the company to continue deploying up to eight Jaguar I-Pace robotaxis in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn. The permit, initially granted in August and set to expire in September, permits Waymo’s vehicles to operate with a human safety operator behind the wheel, who is exempt from the city’s usual requirement to keep one hand on the wheel at all times. This extension marks a significant step toward Waymo potentially becoming the first autonomous vehicle (AV) company to launch a robotaxi service in New York City’s complex and congested urban environment. Waymo currently operates commercial robotaxi services in several U.S. cities, including Austin, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, with plans to expand to Miami, Washington, D.C., Dallas, Denver, and Nashville within the next year. Despite the permit extension, a major regulatory challenge remains: New York lacks a legal framework that allows fully driverless
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiWaymoself-driving-carsurban-mobilitytransportation-technologyWaymo Opens Up Special Service For Businesses - CleanTechnica
Waymo has launched a new service called "Waymo for Business," aimed at partnering with employers, universities, and event organizers to provide predictable, reliable robotaxi transportation tailored to organizational needs. This initiative builds on successful pilot programs and offers businesses a premium, fully autonomous, and fully electric ride experience that can help improve employee or guest mobility, support sustainability goals, and showcase innovative technology. Waymo emphasizes benefits such as allowing riders to reclaim time during commutes and expanding mobility access for those without personal vehicles. The service includes enterprise-grade management tools like a business portal for setting program parameters, customizable promo codes for events, and reporting tools to track budgets and ride activity. Early adopters, such as the car marketplace Carvana, highlight the value of safety, sustainability, and a premium experience for employees and event guests. While still in the early stages, Waymo plans to evolve and expand its business offerings over time, aiming to bring the advantages of autonomous electric vehicles and smart grid technology to a broader range
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxielectric-fleetmobility-technologyWaymotransportation-innovationWaymo is getting into the corporate travel business
Waymo, the Alphabet-owned self-driving vehicle company, has launched “Waymo for Business,” a new corporate travel service allowing companies to create accounts for their employees to access Waymo’s robotaxis in cities including Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco. This service enables businesses to subsidize rides or purchase promo codes in bulk for employees, clients, or customers at the same rates as the regular consumer service. Companies gain control over ride programs through a business portal, where they can set geographic boundaries, designate pickup and drop-off locations, monitor ride activity, and manage budgets. One of the first corporate customers is Carvana, an online used car marketplace based in Phoenix. Waymo’s move into the corporate travel market marks its first coordinated commercial effort targeting organizations, building on the fact that nearly one in six local riders already use Waymo for commuting to work or school. The company plans to expand Waymo for Business to additional cities like Washington DC and Miami as it launches commercial operations there. Over the
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxicorporate-travelself-driving-technologytransportation-technologyWaymo Diversifies in Nashville with Lyft - CleanTechnica
Waymo is expanding its robotaxi services to Nashville, marking a shift from its usual partnership with Uber to collaborating with Lyft. This strategic move allows Waymo to avoid reliance on a single ride-hailing platform and fosters competition between Uber and Lyft for its business. In Nashville, Waymo’s fully autonomous rides will initially be accessible via the Waymo app, with plans to integrate Lyft’s app later as the service grows. Lyft’s fleet management expertise, particularly through its Flexdrive subsidiary, is a key factor in this partnership. Waymo has driven over 100 million fully autonomous miles and demonstrated that its robotaxis are safer than average human drivers. The company plans to launch fully autonomous operations in Nashville in the coming months and open the service to the public next year. Local and company leaders, including Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Lyft CEO David Risher, and Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana, expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to enhance transportation options and economic growth in the region.
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxiride-hailingLyfttransportation-technologyLyft and Waymo are partnering to bring robotaxis to Nashville
Waymo and Lyft have announced a partnership to launch a robotaxi service in Nashville by 2026. Waymo will begin testing its all-electric, autonomous Jaguar I-Pace vehicles in the Nashville area soon and plans to open the service to the public next year. This expansion is part of Waymo’s broader strategy to grow its robotaxi operations beyond its initial market in Phoenix to multiple cities including Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Dallas, and Denver. The deal also signals Waymo’s shift from being solely an operator of autonomous vehicles to becoming a technology provider, collaborating with ride-hailing companies to manage fleet operations. The Nashville partnership mirrors Waymo’s existing arrangement with Uber in Atlanta and Austin, where Waymo handles vehicle testing and roadside support while the ride-hailing partner manages fleet services such as maintenance and charging. However, a key difference in Nashville is that customers will initially hail robotaxis directly through the Waymo app, with plans to integrate autonomous vehicle dispatch on the
roboticsautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxielectric-vehiclestransportation-technologyWaymoLyftWaymo’s Tekedra Mawakana on Scaling Self-Driving Beyond the Hype
The article highlights Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana’s upcoming appearance at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, where she will provide an in-depth discussion on the current realities and challenges of scaling autonomous vehicle (AV) technology. Moving beyond the common hype and sensational headlines about crashes or overpromises, Mawakana aims to address the practical aspects of deploying self-driving cars at scale, including rider safety, public trust, regulatory hurdles, operational complexities, and competition from companies like Tesla. Her session promises a grounded perspective on what is working in the AV industry, what still requires improvement, and the broader implications of bringing autonomous mobility to mainstream use. Mawakana brings over 20 years of experience in global tech strategy to her leadership role at Waymo, where she is focused on advancing the Waymo Driver technology and expanding its reach. In addition to her role at Waymo, she serves on Intuit’s board and advises various tech and social impact ventures. The article positions her session
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-carsWaymomobility-technologyAI-roboticstransportation-innovationWaymo approved to start testing autonomous vehicles at San Francisco International Airport
Waymo has received a permit to begin testing its autonomous vehicles (AVs) at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), marking a significant step toward launching commercial service there. The San Francisco mayor’s office announced that SFO and Waymo signed a “Testing and Operations Pilot Permit” after prolonged negotiations. This approval follows a recent permit allowing Waymo to test at San Jose Mineta International Airport and builds on its existing autonomous operations at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor airport since 2023. The permit enables Waymo to proceed in three phases: initial testing with a trained specialist behind the wheel, followed by passenger service trials with employees and airport staff, and finally, offering paid rides to the public. Once in the third phase, Waymo plans to provide pickups and drop-offs at SFO’s “Kiss & Fly” area, which connects to terminals via the AirTrain, with intentions to expand to other airport locations in the future. This development aligns with Waymo’s broader expansion efforts in Silicon Valley
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoself-driving-carstransportation-technologyairport-automationmobility-solutionsWaymo Plans to Expand Further, Tesla Robotaxi App Launched — But Any Actual Expansion News? - CleanTechnica
The article discusses recent developments regarding robotaxi services from Waymo and Tesla, highlighting that despite announcements suggesting expansion, neither company has revealed concrete plans for immediate growth in service areas. Waymo’s recent statement, titled “Bringing Waymo to more people, sooner,” mainly reiterated its ongoing efforts to expand robotaxi availability across major U.S. cities and globally, without specifying new launch dates or locations. Currently, Waymo operates in over five major U.S. cities—including Phoenix, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Austin, and Atlanta—and is preparing to enter Miami, Washington, D.C., and Dallas, while also testing in Tokyo. Tesla, on the other hand, has launched a new “Robotaxi” app, but it is presently functional only in the Austin and Bay Area metros where rides with safety drivers are available. Although Elon Musk has previously predicted widespread Tesla robotaxi deployment across the U.S. by the end of the year, such forecasts have been repeatedly delayed. The article notes
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiWaymoTeslaself-driving-carstransportation-technologyWaymo cleared to offer robotaxi rides at San Jose airport
Waymo has received approval to begin offering its robotaxi services at San Jose Mineta International Airport, marking its first airport service in California. The company plans to start testing its autonomous vehicles at the airport in the coming months and aims to launch commercial rides by the end of 2025. This development follows Waymo’s earlier efforts to serve airports in the state, including a permit to manually map San Francisco International Airport earlier this year, although commercial service there has not yet been approved. Waymo has already established a strong presence at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, where it began curbside pick-up and drop-off in late 2023 and expanded to 24/7 service by August 2024. The company reports having provided hundreds of thousands of trips to and from the Arizona airport, making it the most popular destination in Phoenix. Nationwide, Waymo operates over 2,000 robotaxis, with significant fleets in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, and Atlanta. The company
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiWaymotransportation-technologyself-driving-carssmart-mobilityWaymo expands to Denver and Seattle with its Zeekr-made vans
Waymo is expanding its autonomous vehicle operations to Denver and Seattle, introducing both its Jaguar I-Pace SUVs and Zeekr vans to these cities starting this week. Initially, the vehicles will be manually driven as Waymo tests its autonomous technology under the challenging weather conditions typical of these regions, such as snow, wind, and rain. The company aims to begin offering robotaxi services in Denver by next year and in the Seattle metropolitan area as soon as regulatory approval is granted. This expansion adds to Waymo’s growing presence across the United States, where it currently operates over 2,000 robotaxis, including large fleets in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, and Atlanta. The company has also announced plans to launch commercial robotaxi services in Dallas and Miami and recently received permission to test in New York City. Beyond these core markets, Waymo has conducted exploratory “road trips” with its vehicles in cities like Philadelphia, Las Vegas, San Diego, Houston, Orlando, and San Antonio
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxielectric-vehiclestransportation-technologyself-driving-carsNew York City launches first self-driving vehicle trials, robotaxi firm to test with 8 cars
Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous vehicle company, has received its first permit to test self-driving cars in New York City, allowing deployment of up to eight vehicles in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn through late September, with a possible extension. This marks the city’s inaugural autonomous vehicle testing program, conducted under strict safety regulations requiring a trained driver to remain behind the wheel. New York City Mayor Eric Adams framed the initiative as part of a broader push to integrate innovative transportation technologies while maintaining rigorous safety oversight. Waymo brings extensive experience from over 10 million robotaxi rides across five major U.S. cities and emphasizes collaboration with city authorities for safe technology rollout. The company’s New York trial follows recent permit filings and is part of a nationwide expansion strategy that includes upcoming autonomous vehicle operations in Atlanta, Miami, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. Efforts to introduce self-driving technology in New York have been underway since 2021, initially focusing on manual driving and data collection. This trial represents a significant step toward
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-carsrobotaxiWaymotransportation-technologysmart-cityWaymo to test robotaxis with safety drivers in NYC
Waymo has received a permit from the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) to test up to eight autonomous robotaxis with safety drivers in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn until late September 2025. This marks the first time NYC has authorized testing of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in the city. Waymo must coordinate closely with the DOT, including regular meetings and data reporting, and certify adherence to cybersecurity best practices. The company has also secured necessary permits from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. However, current New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) regulations prohibit the use of AVs for for-hire services without a TLC license, meaning Waymo faces regulatory hurdles before launching a paid robotaxi service. Waymo, a leader in the robotaxi industry, has surpassed 100 million fully autonomous miles and provided over 10 million fully autonomous rides across cities like Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin. The company is expanding into new terrains with plans to launch
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxisWaymoself-driving-carsurban-mobilitytransportation-technologyWaymo approved to start autonomous vehicle testing in New York City
Waymo has received New York City’s first-ever permit to test autonomous vehicles, allowing the company to deploy up to eight Jaguar I-Pace SUVs in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn through late September 2025. The testing requires a trained safety operator to remain in the driver’s seat with at least one hand on the wheel at all times, and the vehicles are not permitted to pick up passengers without additional licensing from the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission. Waymo must also regularly report data and meet with the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT) as part of the permit conditions. This approval marks a significant milestone for Waymo as it moves closer to launching a robotaxi service in New York City, which presents a more complex and challenging environment compared to its current operations in warmer cities like San Francisco, Austin, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. The company has been preparing for this step since 2021 by manually mapping the city and engaging with local lawmakers and organizations. The permit was granted under a new
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoself-driving-carsurban-mobilitytransportation-technologysmart-citiesWaymo finally has a music experience worthy of its robotaxi
The article discusses Waymo’s recent improvement to its in-car music experience, addressing a long-standing shortcoming in its autonomous robotaxi service. Previously, Waymo passengers were limited to a few preset music stations or had to rely on a cumbersome workaround involving the Google Assistant app to stream music from Spotify, which was unreliable and inconvenient. This was surprising given the advanced technology in Waymo vehicles, which include numerous sensors and AI systems for navigation. The new update now allows users to seamlessly connect their Spotify accounts directly through the Waymo app, enabling passengers to play their own playlists, podcasts, and personalized mixes effortlessly during rides. The integration works by linking Spotify within the Waymo app’s “Music” section, where users authorize the connection and gain access to their listening content on the robotaxi’s touchscreen. The system can automatically resume playback from where the user left off, enhancing the personalized experience and making the backseat feel more like a private space. While the current integration focuses on Spotify, Waymo has
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoAI-sensorsmusic-streaming-integrationSpotifyrobotaxi-technologyWaymo’s Tekedra Mawakana on the truth behind autonomous vehicles at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana will provide an in-depth, realistic perspective on the current state and future of autonomous vehicles (AVs). Moving beyond sensational headlines about crashes and hype, Mawakana will discuss the practical challenges of scaling AV deployment, including rider safety, public trust, regulatory complexities, operational hurdles, and competition from companies like Tesla. Her session aims to clarify what aspects of AV technology are working, what still requires development, and what it truly takes to bring fully autonomous vehicles to widespread use. Tekedra Mawakana brings over 20 years of experience in global tech strategy and leadership to her role at Waymo, where she drives the company’s mission to make the Waymo Driver accessible to the masses and advance autonomous innovation. Beyond Waymo, she contributes to other tech ventures and social impact initiatives. Her appearance at Disrupt offers attendees—ranging from founders and investors to enthusiasts—a rare, insider view of the autonomous
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-carsWaymomobility-technologyAI-roboticstransportation-innovationWaymo Coming to Dallas Next - CleanTechnica
Waymo, the self-driving technology company spun off from Google, is rapidly expanding its commercial robotaxi operations to new cities. After initially focusing on Phoenix and the San Francisco Bay Area, Waymo has recently launched services in several cities and announced plans to begin operations in Dallas, Texas, in 2026. The company emphasizes that its autonomous ride-hailing service can improve road safety and reduce injuries and fatalities, aligning with Dallas’s public safety goals. Unlike previous launches where Waymo partnered with Uber, the Dallas rollout will be in partnership with Avis Budget Group, marking a strategic shift toward leveraging Avis’s fleet management expertise to scale operations efficiently. Avis will handle end-to-end fleet management, including vehicle readiness, maintenance, and depot operations, allowing Waymo to focus on its core autonomous driving technology. This partnership is expected to extend beyond Dallas, with plans to expand to additional cities. Waymo’s commercial operations are already significant, with over 250,000 paid trips per week across five cities, covering
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxismart-transportationfleet-managementmobility-technologyWaymo taps Avis to manage robotaxi fleet in Dallas
Waymo announced plans to launch a robotaxi service in Dallas in 2026, expanding its commercial autonomous vehicle operations beyond its existing cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. For this launch, Waymo is partnering with Avis Budget Group to manage its fleet of all-electric autonomous Jaguar I-Pace vehicles. Avis will oversee depot operations, including vehicle charging and maintenance, marking the first time a rental car company has taken on such a role for Waymo. The partnership aims to help Waymo scale its technology more efficiently and is expected to extend to additional cities in the future. Prior to the Dallas launch announcement, Waymo conducted mapping and initial testing of its sensor-equipped vehicles in the city, progressing to public road testing with safety drivers. The company plans to move toward fully autonomous operations once its technology is validated on Dallas streets. While exact launch dates and fleet size details were not disclosed, Waymo intends to grow the robotaxi fleet to hundreds of vehicles in collaboration with Avis. Avis CEO Brian Choi highlighted
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxifleet-managementelectric-vehiclesWaymomobility-technologyWaymo reaches 100M fully autonomous miles across all deployments - The Robot Report
Waymo LLC, an Alphabet Inc. subsidiary, has surpassed 100 million fully autonomous miles driven without a human driver, doubling its mileage in just six months while expanding its robotaxi services to new cities including Atlanta. Currently operating in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin, Waymo provides over 2 million fully autonomous miles and more than 250,000 rides weekly, totaling over 10 million autonomous trips to date. The company plans further expansion to Miami, Washington, D.C., and Tokyo, and is actively mapping Boston. Waymo’s Austin service area recently increased from 37 to 90 square miles, with rides accessible exclusively through the Uber app. Despite Waymo’s leadership in the U.S. robotaxi market, competition is growing. Tesla launched a robotaxi service in Austin using Model Y vehicles with Full Self-Driving software, currently operating with safety monitors and serving a limited group of users. Meanwhile, Washington, D.C. is moving toward legalizing fully autonomous vehicles
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxiself-driving-carstransportation-technologyrobotics-innovationRobotaxi startup Zoox Vs Waymo, Tesla MechaHitler Grokmobile
The article compares the current landscape of robotaxi services, highlighting Waymo as the pioneering and most trusted player in the U.S. market. Waymo, which evolved from Google's self-driving car project, emphasizes reliability, safety, and trustworthiness, qualities that have resonated especially with users such as women and families. The company’s leadership, including two co-CEOs with strong tech credentials, underpins its mission to be “the world’s most trusted driver.” Waymo’s confidence in its service is exemplified by its launch of a teen account program in Phoenix, Arizona, designed to offer safe and accountable rides for younger passengers, contrasting sharply with Tesla’s less credible robotaxi ambitions. In contrast, Tesla’s recent robotaxi unveiling in Austin was marred by technical errors and safety concerns, undermining trust in the brand. CEO Elon Musk’s increasingly controversial public behavior, including associations with extremist views and political missteps, has further eroded Tesla’s reputation. The article notes Tesla’s declining sales
robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclesWaymoTeslaself-driving-carsAIWaymo Teen Accounts Offer Peace of Mind for Phoenix Families - CleanTechnica
Waymo has launched a new service called Waymo teen accounts in Metro Phoenix, allowing teens aged 14-17 to travel independently using fully autonomous rides linked to a parent or guardian’s account. This program aims to provide teens with safe, reliable transportation while addressing common challenges such as safety risks, parental availability, and vehicle costs. Parents can invite their teens to join, monitor rides in real time, receive ride receipts, and access specially trained Rider Support agents who assist teens during trips and can contact parents if necessary. Early access feedback from Phoenix families highlights the program’s benefits in promoting teen independence and easing parental transportation burdens. For example, Crystal Whitlatch, a parent with epilepsy, values the service for enabling her daughter Mikaylee to travel autonomously, reducing reliance on family members. Another parent, Kseniya Schminke, a single mother, appreciates Waymo as a supportive partner in managing her children’s transportation needs. While currently limited to Metro Phoenix, Waymo plans to expand teen accounts
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymotransportation-technologyteen-safetysmart-mobilitydriverless-carsTeenagers can now hail a Waymo robotaxi in Phoenix
Waymo has launched teen accounts in Phoenix, allowing teenagers aged 14 to 17 to hail autonomous robotaxis linked to their parents’ Waymo One accounts. This service enables teens to order rides independently while parents can monitor trip status, aiming to provide a safer transportation option for young riders. The initiative mirrors similar teen account offerings by Uber and seeks to ease parental concerns about sending children alone in vehicles, especially given the safety risks and regulatory challenges associated with human-driven ride-hailing services. While Waymo emphasizes safety through specially trained support agents available 24/7 to assist teen riders and potentially contact parents if needed, some questions remain unanswered. For instance, Waymo has not clarified how it verifies that the teen linked to an adult account is indeed part of the family or how it manages situations if other passengers enter the vehicle. The company highlights that robotaxis could reduce the higher traffic accident risks faced by teenagers and plans to expand teen accounts beyond Phoenix to other cities where its app operates, possibly through partnerships
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxiAI-driven-carstransportation-technologysafety-featuresWaymo robotaxis are heading to Philadelphia and NYC
Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous vehicle company, has initiated “road trips” to Philadelphia and New York City as part of its efforts to expand into Northeastern U.S. markets. These road trips involve deploying a small fleet of human-driven vehicles equipped with Waymo’s self-driving technology to map and test the cities’ complex driving environments. In Philadelphia, Waymo plans to operate vehicles across diverse neighborhoods and challenging areas such as downtown and freeways. In New York City, the company will manually drive cars in Manhattan, parts of Downtown Brooklyn, and nearby New Jersey cities like Jersey City and Hoboken, although it has not yet received regulatory approval to test fully autonomous vehicles there. While these exploratory trips do not guarantee an immediate commercial launch, they serve as critical data-gathering and AI refinement phases that have previously led to service rollouts, such as in Los Angeles. However, regulatory hurdles remain significant, especially in NYC, where current laws prohibit deploying driverless vehicles without a human in the front
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoself-driving-carsrobotaxiAI-driving-systemurban-mobilityWaymo starts robotaxi testing in Philadelphia and NYC
Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous vehicle company, has begun testing its robotaxi technology in Philadelphia and New York City as part of its ongoing expansion into Northeastern U.S. markets. These "road trips" involve deploying a small fleet of human-driven vehicles equipped with Waymo’s self-driving system to map and gather data on complex urban environments. Following this, Waymo tests autonomous driving with a safety driver behind the wheel to refine its AI before any commercial launch. Previous road trips to cities like Houston, Orlando, and San Antonio have followed a similar pattern, with some, such as Santa Monica in Los Angeles County, leading to commercial robotaxi services. In Philadelphia, Waymo plans to operate in challenging areas including downtown, freeways, and diverse neighborhoods like North Central, Eastwick, and University City. In New York City, the company is currently driving manually in Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn, as well as mapping Jersey City and Hoboken in New Jersey. However, Waymo has not yet
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxiself-driving-carsAIurban-mobilityTesla FSD Drives Down Train Track, Waymo Gets Stuck In Intersection - CleanTechnica
The article highlights recent safety concerns involving two leading self-driving vehicle systems in the U.S.: Tesla’s Full Self Driving (FSD) and Waymo’s robotaxis. In Pennsylvania, a Tesla operating in FSD mode mistakenly identified railroad tracks as a drivable road, turning onto and driving along the tracks until it was struck by a train. Fortunately, the passengers recognized the danger and exited the vehicle before the collision. This incident raises questions about the readiness of Tesla’s FSD technology for widespread use, especially given that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has investigated nearly 500 crashes involving Tesla’s self-driving mode, including 13 fatalities. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, a Waymo robotaxi was observed stopping in the middle of an intersection and remaining stationary as traffic lights changed and cross-traffic, including a trolley, was blocked. The vehicle required remote intervention to be moved out of the intersection, even running a red light to resolve the situation. The cause of the robotaxi’s halt remains unclear
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-carsTesla-FSDWaymorobotaxitransportation-technologyIs Waymo Worth Way More Than $45 Billion In Midst Of Tesla Robotaxi Launch? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses whether Waymo’s valuation of $45 billion is significantly undervalued in light of Tesla’s recent robotaxi trial launch in Austin, Texas. Tesla’s robotaxi service is currently limited in scale and imperfect, raising questions about the sustainability of Tesla’s $1 trillion market capitalization, which heavily factors in autonomous driving technology. The article explores multiple scenarios: if Tesla’s robotaxi capability remains suboptimal and Waymo successfully scales and turns a profit, Waymo’s valuation could be too low. However, Waymo has yet to publicly demonstrate a clear path to massive profitability, which is crucial for justifying a higher valuation. Alternatively, if Tesla rapidly improves its robotaxi technology and expands to more markets, both companies could scale significantly, but profitability remains uncertain for the robotaxi business overall. The article also notes skepticism about Tesla dominating the market due to software limitations and potential customer hesitancy tied to Elon Musk’s reputation. While Tesla’s market cap may be inflated and
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiWaymoTeslaride-hailingtransportation-technologyWaymo Launches in Atlanta with Uber - CleanTechnica
Waymo has officially launched its autonomous vehicle (AV) service in Atlanta through an exclusive partnership with Uber, continuing its expansion strategy seen in cities like Austin, Texas. Instead of a distinct Waymo or robotaxi option, riders requesting UberX, Comfort, or Comfort Electric rides may be matched with a Waymo Jaguar I-PACE vehicle. Users can increase their chances of receiving a Waymo ride by opting in via the Uber app settings. The entire ride experience, including unlocking doors and starting trips, is integrated into the familiar Uber app, with 24/7 customer support available through both Uber and Waymo’s in-car interfaces. Safety remains a top priority for Waymo, which requires all AVs on the Uber network to meet stringent standards. With millions of fully autonomous miles driven on public roads, Waymo’s data indicates a reduction in traffic injuries in its operating areas. Currently, the service covers 65 square miles in Atlanta, with plans to expand over time. Waymo’s collaboration with
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoUberrobotaxielectric-vehiclestransportation-technologyUber and Waymo’s commercial robotaxi service is open for business in Atlanta
Waymo and Uber have launched a commercial robotaxi service in Atlanta, allowing users to hail Waymo’s autonomous vehicles through the Uber app. The service initially covers about 65 square miles and features a hybrid model where robotaxis and human-driven cars operate together. Uber users can set preferences to increase their chances of being matched with a Waymo vehicle and have the option to accept or switch to a human-driven ride once matched. The robotaxi rides are priced equivalently to UberX and Uber Comfort options. The partnership leverages Uber’s expertise in vehicle maintenance, charging, cleaning, and app-based access management, while Waymo oversees the autonomous technology, operations, roadside assistance, and some rider support. Waymo’s fleet in Atlanta currently numbers in the dozens, with plans to expand to hundreds shared between Atlanta and Austin. This launch follows the earlier rollout of the “Waymo on Uber” service in Austin and aims to boost the companies’ autonomous ride volumes, complementing Waymo’s existing robotaxi
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiWaymoUbertransportation-technologymobility-servicesWaymo has set its robotaxi sights on NYC
Waymo has applied for a permit with the New York City Department of Transportation to test its autonomous Jaguar I-Pace vehicles in Manhattan, marking its initial step toward introducing robotaxis in the city. The permit application aligns with New York’s stringent autonomous vehicle regulations, which require a human safety operator behind the wheel, a $5 million insurance policy, and thorough operator training. While obtaining this permit is significant, Waymo is still far from launching commercial or fully driverless operations in NYC due to current legal restrictions that mandate a human must be physically present and able to control the vehicle. To advance its goals, Waymo is actively advocating for changes in state law that would permit driverless vehicle operation without a human behind the wheel. The company is also building partnerships with local organizations such as MADD NY, YAI, the National Federation of the Blind, and Bronx Community College to foster goodwill and support. Despite previous attempts by other companies to test autonomous vehicles in NYC, none progressed beyond limited demonstrations. Way
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxiself-driving-carsurban-mobilitytransportation-technologyWaymo Robotaxi Stops for Kids Chasing Dogs Chasing Ball into Street - CleanTechnica
The article highlights a notable incident involving a Waymo robotaxi in California, which safely stopped to avoid hitting two small dogs chasing a ball into the street, followed by children chasing the dogs. Despite poor visibility and visual obstructions from parked vehicles, the autonomous vehicle detected the dogs early and braked suddenly, demonstrating impressive situational awareness and reaction capabilities. The author emphasizes that such a response might not be guaranteed from a human driver or other self-driving systems, underscoring Waymo’s advanced safety features. Additionally, the article praises Waymo’s visualization technology, which clearly displays detailed silhouettes of pedestrians and animals, providing transparency into what the vehicle’s sensors detect. Dmitri Dolgov, Waymo’s co-CEO, shared an alternative view of the incident, reflecting the company’s pride in their system’s safety performance. Overall, the event serves as a strong example of Waymo’s progress in developing autonomous vehicles that prioritize safety and can handle complex, real-world scenarios effectively.
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoself-driving-carsroboticsAI-vision-systemstransportation-technologyWaymo Grows Again - CleanTechnica
Waymo is significantly expanding its robotaxi services across California, extending coverage in the Bay Area to cities like South San Francisco, San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, Brisbane, and Menlo Park, with further expansion planned in the Los Angeles metro area including Silverlake, Inglewood, and Downtown LA. This expansion marks a substantial growth in Waymo’s service footprint, suggesting the company is poised to increase ride volumes considerably. Additionally, Waymo is preparing to launch its robotaxi service in Atlanta this summer in partnership with Uber, further broadening its national presence. Beyond California, Waymo is actively testing and demonstrating its autonomous driving technology across the U.S., with recent stops in cities such as San Antonio, Houston, and Orlando as part of its 2025 road trip initiative. The company’s rapid growth contrasts with earlier slower progress and raises questions about the potential for exponential scaling of robotaxi services. The article also briefly touches on Tesla’s delayed robotaxi launch in Austin,
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxitransportation-technologyself-driving-carsmobility-innovationWaymo robotaxis are pushing into even more California cities
Waymo is significantly expanding its robotaxi service area across California, adding 80 square miles in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Silicon Valley. This growth brings the total commercial service area to over 250 square miles, introducing driverless Jaguar I-Pace vehicles to new neighborhoods in three major metro regions. Despite recent setbacks—including vandalism and arson of Waymo vehicles during immigration-related protests in Los Angeles, which led to temporary service reductions—the company continues to push forward with its expansion plans. Waymo is still limiting service in some parts of Los Angeles, such as downtown, but plans to monitor conditions and gradually restore full operations. The expansion includes new service availability in Bay Area communities like Brisbane, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, and Silicon Valley towns Palo Alto and Menlo Park. In Los Angeles, the service now covers Playa del Rey, Ladera Heights, Echo Park, Silver Lake, and the full stretch of Sunset Boulevard, connecting
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxisdriverless-technologyurban-mobilitytransportation-innovationNew Insights for Scaling Laws in Autonomous Driving - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses Waymo’s recent research into applying scaling laws—well-established in large language models (LLMs)—to autonomous driving, specifically in motion forecasting and planning. Waymo’s study leveraged an extensive internal dataset of 500,000 hours of driving, much larger than prior AV datasets, to investigate how increasing model size, training data, and compute resources impact AV performance. The findings reveal that, similar to LLMs, motion forecasting quality improves predictably following a power-law relationship with training compute. Additionally, scaling data and inference compute enhances the model’s ability to handle complex driving scenarios, and closed-loop planning performance also benefits from increased scale. These results mark a significant advancement by demonstrating for the first time that real-world autonomous vehicle capabilities can be systematically improved through scaling, providing a predictable path to better performance. This predictability applies not only to model training objectives and open-loop forecasting metrics but also to closed-loop planning in simulations, which more closely reflect real driving conditions.
robotautonomous-vehiclesAImotion-forecastingscaling-lawsdeep-learningWaymoWaymo Discusses How It Knows When Robotaxis Are Safe To Deploy - CleanTechnica
Waymo, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, has shared detailed insights into how it determines when its robotaxis are safe to deploy. With decades of testing and years of operating self-driving taxis, Waymo emphasizes that safety readiness involves a rigorous, evidence-based process applied not only when launching in new areas but also when introducing software updates or new vehicle platforms. The company uses twelve specific acceptance criteria to assess whether its Waymo Driver system meets safety requirements, mitigates known risks, and performs reliably in various environments. This multi-faceted approach combines qualitative and quantitative data to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of residual risk before deployment. Waymo highlights its transparency by publicly disclosing these criteria and its governance framework, which includes oversight by a Safety Framework Steering Committee and Safety Board to maintain accountability and manage risks in evolving conditions. The company aims to set an industry standard for operationalizing the concept of “absence of unreasonable risk,” addressing the current lack of consensus on deployment readiness in the autonomous vehicle sector. By sharing its methodology
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoself-driving-carsrobotaxi-safetyAI-in-transportationautonomous-driving-technologyWaymo limits service ahead of today’s ‘No Kings’ protests
Waymo, the Alphabet-owned robotaxi company, is limiting its service on June 14, 2025, ahead of the nationwide “No Kings” protests against President Donald Trump and his policies. Service reductions are reported in San Francisco, Austin, Atlanta, and Phoenix, with a complete suspension in Los Angeles. The duration of these service limitations remains unclear. This precaution follows recent protests in Los Angeles where Waymo vehicles were vandalized with anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) graffiti, likely due to perceptions of the vehicles as surveillance tools, similar to how police departments have used them. Waymo has stated that it challenges any requests for data or cooperation that it views as overly broad or lacking legal justification. The company’s cautious approach reflects concerns about civil unrest and the potential targeting of its autonomous vehicles during politically charged demonstrations. The San Francisco Chronicle noted that during periods of civil unrest, authorities may avoid aggressive intervention unless property is directly threatened, highlighting the tense environment surrounding these protests.
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxitransportation-technologyself-driving-carsAI-roboticsA Waymo Costs More, But People Love It - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica examines pricing and consumer preferences among app-based taxi services in San Francisco, focusing on Waymo, Uber, and Lyft. Data collected by the app Obi from March 25 to April 25 reveals that Waymo’s autonomous rides are consistently more expensive—about $9.50 to $11 more during peak demand—compared to UberX and Lyft. Despite the higher cost, Waymo maintains strong customer interest, with many riders willing to pay a premium for the novelty and technology of driverless cars. Obi’s survey found that 70% of Waymo users prefer driverless vehicles over human-driven ones, and roughly 43% of respondents indicated they would pay more to ride in a Waymo. The article also highlights operational differences influencing pricing. Uber and Lyft benefit from dynamic pricing models refined over years and a flexible driver-owned vehicle fleet that adjusts supply during high-demand periods, helping to moderate costs. In contrast, Waymo operates a fixed fleet of autonomous vehicles and
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymodriverless-carstransportation-technologyride-hailingmobility-innovationWaymo rides cost more than Uber or Lyft — and people are paying anyway
The article examines the pricing dynamics of Waymo’s autonomous ride-hailing service compared to traditional options like Uber and Lyft, based on a month-long data analysis in San Francisco by the app Obi. Contrary to the expectation that robotaxis would be cheaper due to lower labor costs, Waymo rides were found to be consistently more expensive, averaging $20.43 per ride compared to Lyft’s $14.44 and Uber’s $15.58. During peak hours, Waymo’s prices were about $9.50 to $11 higher than its competitors. Despite the higher cost, consumer demand remains strong, driven by excitement for the technology and a preference for driverless vehicles. The pricing variability of Waymo rides was also greater than Uber or Lyft, attributed to Waymo’s less sophisticated pricing model and a relatively fixed vehicle supply, resulting in a more direct supply-and-demand pricing approach. This model causes short trips to be disproportionately expensive—Waymo’s short rides cost roughly 31-41% more
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoride-hailingtransportation-technologyself-driving-carsmobility-servicesWaymo robotaxis, Lime e-scooters set ablaze during LA protests
During protests in downtown Los Angeles sparked by immigration raids conducted by the Trump administration, several Waymo autonomous vehicles and Lime e-scooters were vandalized and set on fire. On Sunday evening, a group of protesters attacked five Waymo robotaxis, slashing tires, breaking windows, spray-painting anti-ICE slogans, and setting three cars ablaze. Some Lime e-scooters were also thrown into the burning vehicles. The LAPD warned that burning lithium-ion batteries from these devices release toxic gases, posing health risks to bystanders. The motivation behind targeting Waymo vehicles remains unclear, though police have previously used footage from robotaxis in investigations. The protests began on June 6 in response to aggressive ICE raids that resulted in over 100 immigrant arrests. Demonstrations, both peaceful and violent, spread across Los Angeles and nearby areas, including freeway blockades. In reaction, President Trump federalized the California National Guard and deployed troops to the city, a move opposed by state officials such as Governor Gavin Newsom, who called for their removal. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated readiness to deploy Marines if violence escalates. The article also briefly notes that Waymo and Lime did not comment on the incidents, and that similar protests involving Waymo vehicles occurred previously in San Francisco.
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymoe-scooterslithium-ion-batterieselectric-mobilityurban-protestsAmazon’s Zoox to start testing AVs in Atlanta, following Waymo
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-technologyrobotaxiZooxWaymotransportation-technologyWaymo gets OK to expand robotaxi service into more of Silicon Valley
robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclesWaymotransportationSilicon-Valleyride-hailingWaymo and Uber are giving some riders early access to Atlanta robotaxi service
robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclesWaymoUbertransportationmobilityThe Huge Waymo Recall That Wasn’t
robotWaymoautomated-drivingsoftware-updaterobotaxiself-driving-vehiclestransportationWaymo updates 1,200+ robotaxis in software recall
robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclesWaymoself-driving-technologyvehicle-safetytransportation-technologyWaymo recalls 1,200 robotaxis following low-speed collisions with gates and chains
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxissoftware-updatetransportationsafetyWaymo robotaxis to map Boston
robotWaymorobotaxiautonomous-drivingurban-mobilitytransportationtechnologyWaymo Scaling Up With US Manufacturing, Uber
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymomanufacturingrobotaxiAI-technologytransportationWaymo Robotaxis Are Much Safer — Part Deux
robotWaymorobotaxisautonomous-vehiclestraffic-safetycrash-reductionpedestrian-safetyWaymo ramps up robotaxi production at new Arizona factory
robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclesWaymoelectric-vehiclesmanufacturingself-driving-technologyThe One Big Robotaxi Benefit — Safe Driving
robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclessafetytransportationWaymodriver-assistanceToyota, Waymo consider joint development of self-driving passenger vehicles
robotself-drivingautonomous-vehiclesWaymoToyotamobility-technologytransportationWaymo & Toyota May Collaborate On Autonomous Cars
WaymoToyotaautonomous-vehiclesride-hailingcollaborationclean-technologyself-driving-carsWaymo and Toyota are dating. If they get serious, a new autonomous vehicle could be created.
WaymoToyotaautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-carstechnology-partnershipsautomotive-innovationfuture-mobilityWaymo’s Not-So-Secret Weapon for Rapid Growth
Waymoautonomous-vehiclestechnologytransportationgrowth-strategyclean-technologymarket-share