Waymo's decision to test on highways is based on its experience with robotic heavy-duty trucks, according to Boris Sofman, senior director of engineering. Despite the risks associated with high speeds and unexpected objects in lanes, the company is confident in its AI-enabled system, the "Waymo Driver". The company has kept both Arizona and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration informed of its plans. Waymo, which already operates a paid driverless ride service around Phoenix and is testing robotaxis in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin, has avoided major accidents and pedestrian injuries in its 15 years of operation.
Key takeaways:
- Waymo, an Alphabet Inc. unit, plans to start testing its autonomous vehicles on Phoenix-area highways, initially carrying only Waymo employees.
- The company aims to be the first to offer a public robotaxi service on highways, building on its experience with robotic heavy-duty trucks.
- Despite increased government scrutiny of automated driving technology due to safety issues at rival companies, Waymo insists it has always prioritized safety and will continue to do so.
- In 2023, Waymo decided to prioritize the development of its robotaxi service, putting on hold plans to launch an autonomous trucking business.