How is Waymo reducing the cost of its robotaxi services?

Waymo is introducing its sixth-generation Waymo Driver hardware, which is designed to be less expensive and easier to integrate into a wider variety of vehicles.

When will Waymo expand its robotaxi service to more cities?

Waymo plans to roll out its services to approximately 20 additional cities this year, supported by increased production of its new hardware.

What makes Waymo's robotaxi system safer?

The system uses multiple overlapping sensors, including cameras, lidar, and radar, to ensure redundancy and improve performance in diverse conditions, even adverse weather.

Home / Technology / Waymo's New Hardware Fuels Rapid Robotaxi Expansion

Waymo's New Hardware Fuels Rapid Robotaxi Expansion

22 Feb

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Summary

Waymo's new hardware is cheaper and fits more vehicles.
Expansion plans include 20 additional cities this year.
Safety relies on multiple overlapping sensors, not just cameras.

Waymo's New Hardware Fuels Rapid Robotaxi Expansion

Waymo is poised to significantly expand its robotaxi services with the unveiling of its sixth-generation Waymo Driver hardware. This new system is designed to be less expensive and compatible with a broader array of vehicles, including electric minivans and sedans like the Zeekr Ojai and Hyundai Ioniq 5. This strategic shift aims to make driverless ride-hailing more accessible across numerous cities.

The company plans to introduce its services in 20 additional cities within the current year. To support this growth, Waymo is increasing production capacity at its Metro Phoenix facility, preparing to manufacture tens of thousands of Driver kits annually. This scaled production, combined with reduced costs, is central to Waymo's strategy for widespread deployment.

Safety remains a paramount concern, with the new system employing a layered approach. It integrates 16 high-resolution cameras, lidar, radar, and audio receivers, ensuring redundancy. This multi-sensor fusion is designed to enhance performance in various conditions, including adverse weather, potentially enabling operations in colder climates previously considered too challenging.

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