Articles tagged with "Waymo"
Waymo 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