Waymo's next-gen robotaxi is ready for passengers - and also 'high-volume production'

"Waymo's current fleet of Jaguar I-Pace vehicles runs on the company's fifth generation technology, first rolled out in March 2020. But that vehicle has reached the end of its shelf life, after Jaguar discontinued the model at the end of 2024. The updated system is designed to work seamlessly across multiple vehicle types, starting with the Zeekr RT minivan (rebranded as Ojai) and followed by the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Waymo is in talks with other automakers, including Toyota, about future models."

"Waymo says that its sixth-generation system is the smartest, most capable autonomous vehicle it's ever designed, while also using fewer sensors to lower its overall costs. Its cameras are more powerful, its lidar are able to see things the cameras might miss, and its improved radar are able to tackle extreme weather conditions. But more importantly, its built for "high-volume production," with Waymo's manufacturing partners a"

"The company plans to start passenger trips with employees in San Francisco and LA, followed by public riders. But more importantly, it plans on making a lot of vehicles, as it seeks to cement its first place status in the robotaxi race. The company plans to start passenger trips with employees in San Francisco and LA, followed by public riders. But more importantly, it plans on making a lot of vehicles, as it seeks to cement its first place status in the robotaxi race."

Waymo’s sixth-generation robotaxi technology is declared ready for passenger trips following years of testing and validation. Passenger service will begin with employees and their friends in San Francisco and Los Angeles, with public customers to follow. The current fleet used fifth-generation technology in Jaguar I-Pace vehicles rolled out in March 2020, but Jaguar discontinued that model at the end of 2024. The updated system supports multiple vehicle types, beginning with the Zeekr RT minivan (rebranded as Ojai) and the Hyundai Ioniq 5, with talks underway with other automakers including Toyota. The new system uses fewer sensors, stronger cameras, enhanced lidar and improved radar, and is designed for high-volume production to reduce costs and scale vehicle manufacturing.

Read at The Verge