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Key Facts

  • Waymo autonomous vehicles date back to Google’s self-driving car project that started in 2009.
  • As of today, you can get a ride in five cities across the US.

Quick Summary

Waymo autonomous vehicles trace their origins to a Google self-driving car project initiated in 2009. After years of research and development, the service has transitioned to a commercial ride-hailing platform.

Currently, the service is operational in five cities across the United States. This expansion indicates a significant move from testing phases to public availability, allowing users to access rides in multiple urban environments.

Origins and Development

The history of Waymo vehicles is deeply rooted in the technological initiatives of Google. The project officially started in 2009, marking the beginning of a long-term commitment to autonomous driving technology.

This initiative laid the groundwork for the advanced systems used in the vehicles today. The evolution from a corporate research project to a standalone service represents over a decade of engineering and testing.

Current Availability

As of today, Waymo offers commercial rides in five cities across the US. This availability allows the public to experience autonomous transportation in a controlled, commercial setting.

The expansion to five distinct locations demonstrates the company's ability to scale operations. While the specific cities are not named in the source text, the presence in multiple markets suggests a robust operational footprint.

Future Outlook

The progression from a 2009 project to a service spanning five cities suggests potential for further growth. The technology continues to mature, paving the way for additional locations and features.

Based on the trajectory from Google's original project, the infrastructure is in place to support continued expansion. Future updates will likely focus on increasing the number of operational cities and refining the rider experience.