Waymo Begins Fully Autonomous Operations With 6th-Generation Tech

Autonomous driving company Waymo on Thursday announced the next move for its sixth-generation self-driving technology, Waymo Driver. The company will provide fully autonomous trips to its employees in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles.

The Alphabet-owned robotaxi company is beginning autonomous operations with its sixth-generation technology, which builds on its fifth-generation Waymo Driver and follows nearly 200 million fully autonomous test miles across more than 10 major cities. According to a Waymo blog post, Driver’s “streamlined configuration drives down cost while delivering more capabilities, including the ability to navigate extreme winter weather.”

Watch this: Waymo’s Driverless Cars Can Now Navigate Freeways

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Waymo unveiled its sixth-generation self-driving technology in 2024 and has been testing it on public roads. Having previous used Jaguars, the company is integrating its sixth-gen tech into new vehicles, beginning with the Ojai (also known as the Zeekr RT) and then the Hyundai Ioniq 5. 

Waymo highlighted the Waymo Driver’s vision system, which has integrated cleaning systems to maintain visibility in rain and other inclement weather. The company’s sixth-generation lidar and radar see clearly even when cameras can’t. Waymo said it will continue to expand autonomous trips to new cities as it works toward opening up to the public later this year.