London gets closer to its first robotaxi service as Waymo begins testing | TechCrunch

""Core driving AI generalizing very well," Waymo co-CEO Dmitri Dolgov wrote in a LinkedIn post announcing the testing. "Autonomous testing now underway with specialists behind the wheel as we master local nuances and validate performance on UK roads - a key step toward rider-only deployment.""

"Waymo said in another post on LinkedIn that it is investing in the country by hiring locally and establishing multiple AV service centers across London. The company also said it was working with emergency services 'as we build the foundation to expand our business in Europe.'"

Waymo has begun testing its autonomous vehicles on public roads in London, aiming to launch a commercial robotaxi service this year. The company has been preparing for this by mapping the city with manual driving before starting autonomous tests. Currently, the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace vehicles have a human safety operator. Waymo is investing in the UK by hiring locally and establishing service centers. The launch of the robotaxi service in 2026 depends on government approval. Waymo has over 3,000 robotaxis in its fleet and has previously acquired a UK startup to enhance its technology.

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