Waymo’s Self-Driving Cars Are One Step Away from Commercial Launch

Waymo has been turning heads in the tech industry for these last few years. It gained prominence by starting off as Google’s protégé in developing the tech behind self-driving cars.

Now, having established themselves as an autonomous company and with the development days at Google being behind them, they’re looking to take a leap into the industry with a product of their own.

With such a successful résumé, things are looking quite promising.

Which is why they have all the reasons to become a house name in the coming future.

But First, a Bit of Backstory

Waymo began its life in 2009 when Google made its first foray into the industry of self-drivers. The entire project starting as a Google attempt to test the viability of such technology.

Waymo was tasked with building the software and the sensor technology which now stands at the core of their parent company’s implementation of self-driving cars.

So far, they have many reasons to pat themselves on the back. Among many of their successes, they pride on the fact their cars’ autonomous mileage is in the millions and some were achieved even without a safety driver.

Now, it is no secret autonomous cars raise a lot of concerns for safety. There are valid points to be made over the fact autonomous vehicles could pose a threat to public safety.

Yet the company has set its goals on dispelling these rumors once and for all. As they have said — their mantra is to make mobility safer for everyone involved.

What Does Waymo Have in Store for Us?

The primary ambition they have set out to accomplish is to introduce the concept of autonomous cars into public driving. A feat which sounds quite daring, yet it would seem they got what it takes to do it.

Unveiled by Waymo CEO, John Krafcik, this video shows the first batch of passengers in Phoenix, Arizona aboard the company’s Chrysler Pacifica minivans, the latest vehicles to have this technology implemented.

Nothing seems out of the ordinary, as children mind to their own and adults doze off, to what looks like an everyday card ride — except there’s nobody in the driver’s seat.

The passengers were part of a series of test drives meant to showcase the technology’s use in public transport. There were concerns if the feat could be done, where many of the passengers had never been into self-driving cars before and many more being reluctant to try.

Even from its inception to today, the company continues to campaign autonomous cars are safe. These recent tests in Phoenix are a testament to that.

This is only a starting point for the company’s effort, as these trial rides served as simple demonstrations. Being just a fraction of Waymo’s entire scope and what the technology has to offer.

At Odds with Uber

Things haven’t been quite free of drama for the industry in these recent times. As Waymo made their presence more prominent within the public transportation sector, they have been involved in a scandal with another giant, Uber.

The entire debacle began last year, as Uber was the target of a lawsuit from Waymo, for purchasing stolen corporate secrets which were stolen from the latter.

At the beginning of the year, however, the tables turned in Waymo’s favor. The lawsuit was settled and they would gain $245 million as compensation for the losses.

A quick recap:

• February 2017: Waymo files a lawsuit against Uber for employing the services of a subsidiary company which was in possession of stolen secrets.
• February 5, 2018: Marks the beginning of the trial.
• February 8, 2018: A settlement has been reached between the two companies, with Waymo receiving $245 million from Uber.

Worth mentioning is the fact the highly covered Uber accident took place in Tempe, Arizona.

Having their trial tests in such close proximity was a risky move for Waymo. But one they hoped would alleviate the stigma towards this technology.

They wanted to send a clear message — self-driving cars are safe.

Waymo as a Leader of Self-Driving Cars?

So far, Waymo has not released much information to the public. What we do know, however, is they already have a permit for public transportation — a TNC which makes them a transportation network company — the likes of which taxies use.

The other thing is they placed a bulk order of 20. 000 Jaguar I-Pace electric sedans.

With both the legislation and the number of cars to back them up, are they going to provide ride-hailing services to the public?

There’s good news to indicate this. They announced it’s going to happen. The project will reach the markets around 2019. A fact which can only mean they are serious about the decision to take public transport by storm.

Soon we can expect to see Waymo vehicles parked outside, ready to take us for a lift. We may get the chance to finally experience the technology by sharing a ride.

So? Do you think Waymo’s initiative will bring them success? I would like to hear your opinion about this. Follow me on Twitter and let’s get the discussion going.