Waymo on June 25, 2024, announced anyone can use Waymo automonous robotaxi in San Francisco. https://waymo.com/blog/2024/06/waymo-one-is-now-open-to-everyone-in-san-francisco/
Technology
Waymo creates detailed map of the territory before it offers service at a location. When Waymo car combines real-time sensor data with this map, it will know the precise location of where the car is and not solely relying on GPS. In dense city, GPS signal can be weak. Its sensor suite includes Lidar, Cameras and Radar. It uses sensors to detect cars, pedestrians, street lights and road signs. Using 20+ million miles of driving data and 20+ billions miles of simulated driver, its car can predict and anticipate movement of cars, cyclist, and pedestrians. Waymo car can plan a safe path and speed based on those predictions. https://waymo.com/waymo-driver/ As of 2020, Waymo cars are in the 5th generation. https://waymo.com/blog/2020/03/designing-5th-generation-waymo-driver/
Safer than human driver
If Waymo were compared to human driver Waymo is safer. Waymo reported that over 3.83 Million miles, Waymo had 17 fewer injury crashes or -78% and 12 fewer police reported crashes or -55%. Waymo has 0.41 injury crash per million mile while a human driver has 2.78. Waymo has 2.1 police-reported crash per million miles vs 4.85 for a human driver. Data as of December 2023. https://waymo.com/blog/2023/12/waymo-significantly-outperforms-comparable-human-benchmarks-over-7-million/
Waymo cars are modified Jaguar I-PACE EVs and adds zero pollutions. The cars are cleaned daily and has internal cameras to ensure riders do not vandalize the car. Waymo is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc, parent of Google. It operates service in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Austin. Los Angeles and Austin have a waitlist.
Waymo’s announcement makes robotaxis more accessible and mainstream. Robotaxis are now a reality and the technology is ready for prime time. This opens a market of new opportunity for Waymo and other competitions such as GM Cruise, Tesla and Zoox. Tesla is scheduled to unveil its Robotaxi on 10/10/24. Tesla’s current FSD uses vision only and is more affordable.
To hail a ride, download the Waymo One app.