Waymo to introduce self-driving alternative to Uber

    Google parent company Alphabet’s driverless taxi service will launch in the US in the coming few months.

    Published On Nov 13, 2017 07:00:00 AM

    9,265 Views

    Waymo to introduce self-driving alternative to Uber

    Waymo CEO John Krafcik has announced that it will introduce a completely autonomous rival to Uber in the next few months.

    Waymo, Google parent company Alphabet’s self-driving project, will first launch the scheme in Phoenix, Arizona, US, reports Reuters. The public will be able to make a booking through a smartphone app. Waymo engineers, however, are still working on perfecting the system’s operation during adverse road conditions like heavy rain or snow.

    The model that'll be used will be the Chrysler Pacifica MPV with fully autonomous driving technology. The firm has been testing the self-driving model since the project’s announcement in 2016.

    Initially, a Waymo employee will sit in the driver’s seat to take over in case of an emergency, though this is temporary. After members of the public begin to ride by themselves without a driver, the firm will provide a kill switch as a precaution.

    At launch, the service will be free and is expected to be rolled out in more areas, though a specific timeline has not been revealed as yet. Widespread media coverage along with a fee to use the service (which will be introduced later) will help to offset some of the development costs.

    Copyright (c) Autocar UK. All rights reserved.

    Comments

    ×
    img

    No comments yet. Be the first to comment.

    Ask Autocar Anything about Car and Bike Buying and Maintenance Advices
    Need an expert opinion on your car and bike related queries?
    Ask Now

    Search By Car Price

    Poll of the month

    The Creta will be the third Hyundai N-Line model in India. Should more mass-market brands have sporty sub-brands?

    Yes, it's something special for enthusiasts

     

    18.36%

    Yes, but only if there is increased performance

     

    44.42%

    No, it's just a gimmick to increase the price

     

    29.38%

    It doesn't always work; just look at Tata JTP

     

    7.84%

    Total Votes : 1569
    Sign up for our newsletter

    Get all the latest updates from the automobile universe