Waymo

Waymo is an American autonomous driving technology development company. It is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google. Waymo originated as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in January 2009, before becoming a standalone subsidiary in December 2016.

History

Waymo began as a project within Google X, the semi-secret research and development facility created by Google. The project was initiated by Sebastian Thrun, a co-inventor of the Google Street View mapping service. The goal was to develop technology that could reduce traffic accidents and improve mobility for people who cannot drive.

In December 2016, the project was rebranded as Waymo, a standalone subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. The name "Waymo" stands for "a new way forward in mobility."

Technology

Waymo's technology relies on a combination of LiDAR, radar, and cameras to perceive the environment. The company's self-driving system is designed to handle a wide range of driving environments and conditions. Waymo's vehicles use advanced machine learning algorithms to interpret data from sensors and make driving decisions.

Fleet

Waymo's fleet includes modified Chrysler Pacifica minivans and Jaguar I-Pace electric SUVs. The company has also developed its own custom-built vehicles, known as "Firefly," which were used for early testing but have since been retired.

Testing and Deployment

Waymo has conducted extensive testing of its autonomous vehicles on public roads. The company has logged millions of miles in autonomous mode in various locations, including Mountain View, California, Phoenix, Arizona, and Austin, Texas.

In 2018, Waymo launched a commercial self-driving taxi service called Waymo One in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The service allows users to hail a ride through a mobile app, similar to traditional ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft.

Partnerships

Waymo has established partnerships with several major automakers and technology companies. These partnerships aim to integrate Waymo's autonomous driving technology into a variety of vehicle platforms. Notable partners include Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Jaguar Land Rover, and Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.

Regulatory and Safety

Waymo works closely with regulatory bodies to ensure the safety and legality of its autonomous vehicles. The company adheres to guidelines set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other relevant authorities.

Future Plans

Waymo continues to expand its testing and deployment efforts, with plans to introduce its technology to new markets and vehicle types. The company is also exploring applications beyond ride-hailing, such as autonomous trucking and last-mile delivery services.

See also

• Autonomous car
• Alphabet Inc.
• Google X
• Self-driving car