Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company owned by Alphabet, has announced its plans to conduct extensive testing of its self-driving cars on U.S. highways. While the initial phase of testing will involve pilot trips with only employees on board, Waymo aims to eventually offer its rideshare service to the general public through the Waymo One app.
However, Waymo has faced criticism in the past regarding its self-driving taxis. Concerns have been raised about software failures and a lack of transparency when it comes to data. Additionally, reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate that Waymo reported the highest number of crashes involving autonomous technology in 2022, with 62 incidents.
In response to these concerns, Waymo has assured riders that it has a proven track record of safe operations, with years of experience in operating fleets. The company states that it follows a comprehensive safety framework and continuously improves its technology and operations through rigorous testing, simulation, and public road operations.
Waymo’s autonomous taxi service is currently available in four U.S. cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Texas, and now Phoenix. The company had previously shifted its focus away from autonomous trucks to prioritize the ride-hailing industry. While Waymo had conducted trials of its autonomous vehicle technology in trucks, the company made the strategic decision to concentrate on the commercialization of its self-driving cars.
As Waymo expands its testing on U.S. highways and gathers valuable feedback from its employees, the company aims to provide a safe, reliable, and efficient service for riders. This next step in self-driving car technology brings Waymo closer to making autonomous rides available to the general public, revolutionizing transportation as we know it.
The source of the article is from the blog coletivometranca.com.br