Waymo launched robotaxis in San Francisco

Waymo, introduced as the Google Self-Driving Car project, has begun testing its autonomous taxi service. Employee volunteers in San Francisco are participating to provide feedback and improve the robotaxi technology. This marks the first time the ride-hailing service has expanded beyond the Phoenix area. In 2018, Waymo launched the first commercial driverless taxi service, Waymo One.

Waymo states that its autonomous electric Chrysler Pacifica and Jaguar I-Pace SUVs have driven 20 billion miles through computer simulation and 20 million miles on public roads across 25 cities.

Experts predict that the pandemic will accelerate the adoption of autonomous vehicles for transportation and delivery. According to Deloitte surveys, driverless cars, vans, and trucks promise to minimize the risk of disease spread by limiting contact with drivers. This may be why people currently trust the safety of autonomous vehicles more than they did three years ago.

Source: venturebeat.com