Waymo, the autonomous vehicle division of Alphabet, is significantly expanding its operations both domestically in the United States and internationally, signalling a robust push in the evolving landscape of AI automation in transportation. Originally launched as “project chauffeur” in 2009, Waymo has developed its robotaxi service to be operational in several major US cities including Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
In a strategic move, Waymo has announced plans to extend its robotaxi services to Austin, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia, by 2025. This expansion not only broadens its operational footprint but also aims to capture a larger market share in the growing demand for autonomous transportation solutions.
In addition to expanding across the United States, Waymo is set to initiate its first international operations, having selected Tokyo as its inaugural testing site outside of the US. This initiative is in collaboration with Japan's GO app and the prominent taxi operator Nihon Kotsu. Testing in Tokyo is anticipated to commence in early 2025, marking a significant leap for the company as it enters the Asian market.
Currently, Waymo has established a commanding presence in the US robotaxi market, outpacing its main rival, Cruise. However, competition is intensifying, particularly as domestic competitors such as Tesla, under the direction of Elon Musk, and Amazon-owned Zoox strive to narrow the gap in this rapidly evolving sector of AI automation. As Waymo continues to innovate and expand, the upcoming years are poised to witness substantial developments in the autonomous vehicle landscape, influenced by technological advancements and transformative business practices.
Source: Noah Wire Services