In a recent development in the autonomous vehicle industry, Waymo has declared that it will start running its electric Jaguar I-PACE SUVs autonomously on Phoenix’s highways. The self-driving trials will initially include only Waymo staff as passengers. While highways offer a less complex driving environment compared to urban streets, they still pose various challenges due to higher speed limits and potential for sudden obstructions.
The background of this move comes from Waymo’s extensive experience with robotic semi-truck testing over several years. This has allowed the company to modify and adapt the Waymo Driver—their advanced AI driver assistance system—to meet the unique demands of high-speed highway traffic.
This pioneering effort builds on Waymo’s established presence in the Phoenix area, where it currently runs a commercial unmanned ride-hailing service, in addition to their ongoing autonomous taxi trials in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin. Notably, Waymo boasts a strong safety record with no major accidents or injuries to pedestrians reported during 15 years of operation.
Waymo has kept communication lines open with state and federal safety agencies, including the Arizona State government and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), regarding its latest self-driving endeavors.
By Global Auto News
FAQs about Waymo’s Autonomous Driving Expansion in Phoenix
- What vehicles is Waymo using for its autonomous driving expansion in Phoenix?
- Waymo is using electric Jaguar I-PACE SUVs for this initiative.
- Will the autonomous vehicles be supervised during the trials?
- Yes, the trials will initially only have Waymo employees onboard.
- Are highways easier for autonomous vehicles to navigate?
- Highways are generally considered less complex than urban environments for autonomous vehicles, but they still pose their own set of challenges.
- Has Waymo conducted similar trials in any other cities?
- Yes, Waymo has been testing robo-taxis in several cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin, and operates an unmanned ride-hailing service in Phoenix.
- What is the Waymo Driver?
- The Waymo Driver is Waymo’s proprietary AI-assisted system designed to operate their autonomous vehicles.
Conclusion
Waymo’s latest foray into highway autonomous driving in Phoenix represents a significant milestone in the journey towards fully autonomous transportation. By leveraging their past experiences with semi-truck trials and urban robo-taxis, Waymo is poised to overcome the unique challenges of highway driving. As they proceed with caution and clear communication with regulatory bodies, Waymo continues to set the bar for safety and innovation in the autonomous vehicle space. Phoenix residents and Waymo employees alike may soon witness the next evolution of self-driving technology on their highways.