Waymo (Google/Alphabet)

What is Waymo?

Waymo is a subsidiary of Alphabet (Google's parent company) that develops self-driving vehicles. The company is globally recognized as the most technologically advanced player in the self-driving car segment. Waymo offers a fully autonomous robotaxi service in multiple US cities — without a human safety driver on board.

How does Waymo work?

Waymo's vehicles are equipped with a combination of LIDAR, radar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors. The AI system — the Waymo Driver — processes all sensor data in real time to understand the environment, classify objects, predict behavior and make navigation decisions.

Unlike Tesla's camera-only approach, Waymo relies on LIDAR for accurate 3D perception, combined with detailed HD maps of the driving environment. The system has billions of kilometers of simulation and millions of kilometers of real-world driving experience.

Services

• Waymo One — commercial robotaxi service in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Austin
• Waymo Via — autonomous freight transport for long distances
• Partnerships — collaboration with Uber, Moove and others

Technology

• LIDAR — accurate 3D environmental perception
• Sensor fusion — combination of LIDAR, camera and radar
• HD maps — detailed maps of driving environments
• Simulation — billions of simulated test kilometers

Advantages

• Most proven safety record in the industry
• Commercial service available to the public
• Technological lead over most competitors

Disadvantages

• Limited geographic availability
• Higher costs than human taxis

Who is it for?

Waymo is available as a robotaxi service for consumers in supported cities. As a technology company, Waymo also focuses on business partnerships for freight transport and mobility services.