Detroit is set to become a testing ground for Waymo's latest service: fully autonomous, robotaxi-style ride-hailing. The Alphabet Inc.-subsidiary plans to launch the service in the Motor City, joining San Diego and Las Vegas as part of its expansion.
Waymo has long been working on perfecting its technology, with test runs in Detroit taking place during harsh winter weather conditions, including Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This is no small feat, considering snow and ice pose significant challenges for autonomous vehicles. However, the company believes it can navigate these obstacles with confidence.
For many residents of Metro Detroit, including those living with epilepsy, transportation is a daunting obstacle. The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan notes that accessible transportation is key to overcoming this barrier. Waymo's efforts in providing safe and inclusive transportation solutions are much-needed, and its roots in the region will undoubtedly make a positive impact.
Waymo already operates autonomous taxis in several major cities across the US, including San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, and Atlanta. However, it now plans to take its services to new heights – literally – by introducing robotaxi-style ride-hailing. The company's 6th-generation Waymo Driver will be put to the test in Detroit streets this winter.
Before users can experience the service, they'll need to sign up for updates and join the early adopters' club. However, before Waymo can bring its services online, it must obtain the necessary approval from Michigan authorities to operate driverless cars commercially.
As Detroit prepares to welcome its new autonomous ride-hailing service, residents are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to experience this cutting-edge technology firsthand.
Waymo has long been working on perfecting its technology, with test runs in Detroit taking place during harsh winter weather conditions, including Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This is no small feat, considering snow and ice pose significant challenges for autonomous vehicles. However, the company believes it can navigate these obstacles with confidence.
For many residents of Metro Detroit, including those living with epilepsy, transportation is a daunting obstacle. The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan notes that accessible transportation is key to overcoming this barrier. Waymo's efforts in providing safe and inclusive transportation solutions are much-needed, and its roots in the region will undoubtedly make a positive impact.
Waymo already operates autonomous taxis in several major cities across the US, including San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, and Atlanta. However, it now plans to take its services to new heights – literally – by introducing robotaxi-style ride-hailing. The company's 6th-generation Waymo Driver will be put to the test in Detroit streets this winter.
Before users can experience the service, they'll need to sign up for updates and join the early adopters' club. However, before Waymo can bring its services online, it must obtain the necessary approval from Michigan authorities to operate driverless cars commercially.
As Detroit prepares to welcome its new autonomous ride-hailing service, residents are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to experience this cutting-edge technology firsthand.