Waymo, the pioneering autonomous vehicle company, is taking a major step forward by expanding its robotaxi service to include highways. While the company has been operating self-driving vehicles on city and suburban streets, this new move will place Waymo’s electric Jaguar I-PACE SUVs on freeways around Phoenix. Initially, the vehicles will only carry Waymo employees, but the company hopes to offer the service to paying customers in the future.
Navigating highways may seem less complex compared to city streets, but there are still unique challenges associated with high speeds and unexpected obstacles. Waymo feels confident in its decision to introduce autonomous vehicles on highways due to its extensive experience with robotic heavy-duty trucks. Boris Sofman, the senior director of engineering, explained that the company has built a foundation of learning and expertise from years of testing semi trucks. Waymo aims to have its AI-enabled system, known as the “Waymo Driver,” perform consistently across all vehicle types and environments.
This latest move by Waymo comes at a time when the government is scrutinizing autonomous driving technology, following safety concerns from rival companies. Cruise, backed by General Motors, faced the revocation of its robotaxi service license in California after a pedestrian accident. In contrast, Waymo has not experienced any major accidents or pedestrian injuries in its 15 years of operation.
While regulators will be closely monitoring Waymo’s autonomous fleet, the company remains committed to safety. In response to concerns, Sofman reiterated that Waymo has always prioritized safety and has not made any changes to its operating protocols. The company maintains open communication with relevant authorities, sharing its plans and safety measures with both Arizona and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The expansion of autonomous vehicles to highways exposes the challenges that lie ahead. Previous incidents involving Tesla’s “full self-driving” feature highlight the risks associated with high-speed operations. Experts emphasize that addressing these challenges is crucial for the successful integration of self-driving technology on highways.
Waymo’s decision to expand its service to highways demonstrates their commitment to advancing autonomous driving technology while prioritizing safety. With their extensive experience and careful approach, Waymo aims to maintain trust and preserve positive relationships with regulators and the public.
The source of the article is from the blog foodnext.nl