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Waymo

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9.42

Excellent

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description Waymo Overview

Waymo develops autonomous driving technology and operates a robotaxi service for passenger travel. Its driving system combines lidar, radar and cameras to observe roads and surrounding traffic, then uses software to interpret that information and control the vehicle. The defining feature of its passenger service is a ride conducted by an automated driving system rather than a human driver at the wheel. App-requested journeys make it relevant to people seeking point-to-point transportation in the areas where the service operates.

Availability is bounded by supported service areas, rather than extending to every road a passenger might want to reach. Within ride-sharing, Waymo stands apart through its focus on driverless operation. Freight transport is a separate application of autonomous vehicle technology and should not be presented as a function of its passenger robotaxi service.

help Waymo FAQ

What company created Waymo?

Waymo began as Google's self-driving car project and became a separate Alphabet company in 2016. Its vehicles use lidar, radar, cameras, and onboard software to drive without a human driver in supported areas.

Where has Waymo operated robotaxi service?

Waymo One has operated public robotaxi service in places including Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin, with availability changing by area and date. Phoenix was the earliest large public deployment area.

What vehicles does Waymo use?

Waymo has used modified Chrysler Pacifica minivans and Jaguar I-PACE electric SUVs in its autonomous fleet. The Jaguar I-PACE became one of the most visible Waymo One vehicles.

How is Waymo different from Uber or Lyft?

Uber and Lyft primarily match riders with human drivers, while Waymo operates autonomous vehicles in defined service areas. The rider experience is app-based, but the vehicle drives itself without a driver in the front seat.

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