Waymo - SlashGear

Waymo Open Dataset Challenges make a game out of driverless car sensors

Chris Davies | Mar 19, 2020

Waymo has thrown open its latest self-driving car data set, inviting autonomous vehicle researchers to take part in a set of competitions based on the plentiful data gathered by its driverless fleet. The Waymo Open Dataset Challenges comes as the Google spin-off adds 800 new segments to its multi-sensor dataset, and it could come as a good distraction if you're stuck at home because of coronavirus self-isolation.

Waymo spills the self-driving details on its latest car tech

Brittany A. Roston | Mar 4, 2020

Waymo has taken the wraps off its fifth-generation Waymo Driver system, detailing the technology that works to power self-driving cars and protect the people on the road. The latest version of Waymo Driver has been live in the San Francisco Bay Area for months, according to the company, which explains that the latest hardware sensor suite means its Jaguar I-Paces electric vehicles 'look a little different' from its past cars.

Waymo raises $2.25b from outside investors for its self-driving efforts

Brittany A. Roston | Mar 2, 2020

Waymo has announced the fruits of its first external investment funding round, revealing that it raised $2.25 billion from investors that include AutoNation and Andreessen Horowitz. The company says this investment follows a number of big milestones, including driving its vehicles on more than 20 million miles of public roads on top of another 10 billion miles in simulation.

Waymo and UPS team to deliver packages with self-driving vans

Brittany A. Roston | Jan 29, 2020

Autonomous car company Waymo has announced a new partnership with the delivery company UPS. This is said to be 'a first-of-its-kind deal' involving Waymo Driver, the company's self-driving car tech. As part of this deal, Waymo Driver will help UPS deliver packages in Chrysler Pacifica vans, though the deliveries will be limited to just the UPS hub in Tempe, Arizona, as well as the Metro Phoenix region.

Waymo self-driving vans and trucks coming to New Mexico and Texas

Eric Abent | Jan 23, 2020

Alphabet's Waymo announced today that it's expanding to new markets, revealing that it's bringing some of its vehicles to Texas and parts of New Mexico. More specifically, those living in Texas and New Mexico can expect to see Waymo's Chrysler Pacificas and long-haul trucks on the road in the near future.

Waymo self-driving taxi service app finally arrives on iOS

Brittany A. Roston | Dec 5, 2019

Waymo, Alphabet's self-driving tech company, has officially launched a mobile app on iOS, making it possible for residents in Phoenix to directly hail one of the company's autonomous taxis. The app for iPhone joins the Android version Waymo launched on the Google Play Store earlier this year. The move hints at the eventual large-scale launch of the Waymo One robotaxi service.

Waymo rider-only self-driving cars are being tested in Phoenix

Ewdison Then | Oct 29, 2019

Self-driving car news has taken a backseat these days and with controversies surrounding Tesla's Autopilot features, you might presume car makers have silently retreated, at least for a short while. That's not the case, of course, but autonomous driving proponents and developers have just become more cautious. In contrast to its usual proud announcements, Waymo is taking a laid back and almost secretive approach to revealing its future plans for its self-driving technology, including private tests of a rider-only service that is currently ongoing in Phoenix.

Waymo tells Arizona users their autonomous ride may not have a backup driver

Shane McGlaun | Oct 10, 2019

Waymo has been operating a fleet of autonomous vehicles in several states for a while now. One of the areas it operates in is Arizona. Reports indicate that recently, Waymo sent out emails to users who have used Waymo's app to hail rides in the suburbs of Phoenix. The email was titled, "Completely driverless Waymo cars are on the way."

Waymo’s autonomous cars arrive in LA – but don’t expect a ride

Chris Davies | Oct 7, 2019

Waymo's autonomous cars are exploring Los Angeles, with Alphabet's self-driving business weighing the possibilities in one of the most stressful driving environments in the US. The company - a spin-off of Google's driverless project - confirmed its fleet is spreading to LA this week, though no customer rides are planned at this stage.

Waymo adds Florida for heavy rain testing

Shane McGlaun | Aug 21, 2019

Waymo is working to ensure that its autonomous cars can operate in all conditions no matter what the day brings. The company says that it has been testing the last few years in snowy Novi, Michigan, rainy Kirkland, Washington, foggy San Francisco, and in the dust of Phoenix, Arizona. To test the Waymo vehicles in heavy rain, the company has announced that it is rolling out a new testing location and this one is in Miami, Florida.

Waymo is testing free WiFi in its self-driving taxis

Brittany A. Roston | Jul 8, 2019

Waymo is aiming to make its autonomous taxis even more appealing by adding WiFi connectivity in them, according to a new report. The WiFi option would enable passengers to use their gadgets without relying on their own mobile service, potentially appealing to customers who want to spend their commuting time getting work done.

Your next Lyft could now be a Waymo autonomous car

Chris Davies | Jun 27, 2019

Waymo is starting its slow autonomous drive into existing ride-hailing services, with a partnership with Lyft seeing some users of the service offered self-driving minivans for their journey. The collaboration builds on Waymo's existing pilot scheme for Waymo One, the autonomous ride-hailing service it has been offering since late last year.