Waymo's cars operate at Level 4 autonomy, meaning they can drive themselves within a restricted area without human intervention, unlike Tesla's Level 2 autonomy, which requires driver engagement. Waymo has raised $11 billion, with Alphabet committing $5 billion, while GM's Cruise, which also claimed Level 4 autonomy, was shut down after high-profile accidents. The article highlights the advanced capabilities of Waymo compared to competitors like Cruise and Tesla, noting the company's use of LiDAR technology and its focus on safety and user experience.
Key takeaways:
- Waymo, Alphabet's autonomous vehicle division, has partnered with Uber to offer self-driving car rides in Austin, Texas, with plans to expand to Atlanta next.
- Riders can call an autonomous vehicle through the Uber app, but there's no guarantee of getting a Waymo car, and the service operates similarly to a regular Uber ride.
- Waymo vehicles operate at Level 4 autonomy, meaning they can drive themselves within a restricted area without human intervention, unlike Tesla's Level 2 autonomy.
- Waymo uses LiDAR sensors, cameras, and radar for navigation and object detection, while Tesla relies solely on cameras for its self-driving technology.