Waymo Unveils Sixth Generation of Autonomous Robotaxis
Waymo has announced its sixth generation of autonomous robotaxis, showcasing significant improvements while reducing the number of sensors and costs. The new vehicles, based on Geely Zeekr, will coexist with existing models like the Jaguar I-PACE and are part of Waymo's ongoing expansion in cities like Austin and Los Angeles.
Currently, Waymo operates 50,000 rides weekly, having completed over two million trips since its launch in 2018. The company is investing $5 billion into the project, which began as Google's 'project chauffeur' in 2009, highlighting the complexities of developing fully autonomous vehicles.
The latest robotaxis feature a streamlined sensor setup, with 13 cameras and four LiDAR sensors, optimized for performance and safety. Waymo is also testing these vehicles in various cities to adapt to different traffic conditions, aiming for deployment by the end of the year.