Ride-hailing giant Uber has partnered with autonomous driving company Waymo to launch a robotaxi service in Austin. The companies have introduced an “interest list” where Austin-based Uber users can express their interest in trying out the Waymo robotaxis.
Waymo’s robotaxis will be available in a limited area of Austin initially, including downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. The service is expected to expand in the future to cover a wider geographical area. Uber will handle the billing, maintenance, and cleaning of the vehicles, while Waymo will provide the technology and monitor the autonomous operations.
To participate in the interest list, Uber customers in Austin need to update their app and navigate to the ride preferences section. By joining the list, individuals will be prioritized for matching with a Waymo robotaxi once the service launches.
Uber has previously partnered with autonomous vehicle companies in other markets, but the collaboration with Waymo in Austin and Atlanta marks a more exclusive arrangement. Waymo’s autonomous vehicles will only be accessible through the Uber app in these cities.
The Waymo robotaxi service is a significant step forward in the development of autonomous driving technology. It allows Uber to leverage Waymo’s expertise in self-driving systems while maintaining its position in the ride-hailing market. For Waymo, the partnership provides access to Uber’s vast customer base and ride-hailing network.
The launch of the Waymo robotaxi service in Austin is expected to generate significant interest and competition in the autonomous vehicle space. As the technology continues to mature, similar partnerships and services are likely to emerge in other cities, potentially transforming the transportation landscape.
Original source: Read the full article on TechCrunch
