Waymo has announced its plans to launch a fully autonomous taxi service in June 2024. The company aims to ensure that no human driver will take control of the vehicle during its operations. This service will utilize Waymo’s advanced AI technology and will be available in specific areas, particularly in urban settings.
The announcement was made on May 19, 2023, during a briefing by Waymo. The company plans to initially deploy 10-20 Model Y vehicles and gradually scale the fleet to cover more extensive areas. Compared to Waymo’s existing Full Self-Driving (FSD) cars, the new service will utilize a fleet of autonomous taxis designed to operate under a “no human intervention” policy.
Waymo plans to operate these vehicles with the goal of achieving a significant level of safety and efficiency. The launch will include a public demonstration of the autonomous vehicle’s capabilities, showcasing its ability to navigate city streets without any human input.
In May, Waymo also released a video highlight of its autonomous vehicle capabilities. It featured passengers using the vehicle in real-time, demonstrating its ability to follow traffic rules and navigate complex environments autonomously.
Waymo’s focus on a driverless taxi service aligns with its broader goal of redefining transportation through automation. The service is expected to mimic a ride-hailing model similar to Uber, allowing passengers to hail rides without needing a driver present.
By October 2024, Waymo plans to roll out its Cybercab service, which will not have a steering wheel, pedals, or any manual controls. The vehicle will operate entirely on autonomous technology, with a starting cost estimated at around $300,000. The service aims to provide an entirely autonomous experience with no need for human drivers.
Looking ahead, Waymo will utilize Model Y and Model 3 vehicles for testing and certification of its autonomous taxi service. This initiative is part of a larger trend toward the development of self-driving technology, aiming to improve safety and efficiency in urban transportation.
Waymo continues to explore partnerships and opportunities to enhance its autonomous vehicle ecosystem, positioning itself as a leader in the future of transportation.
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