Waymo's Robotaxi Plans Hit a Roadblock
Waymo is reportedly seeking an exit from its partnership with Uber, which has allowed the ride-hailing giant to offer its robotaxis on Uber's network in select US cities.
According to the Financial Times, Waymo has informed Uber that it intends to offer its robotaxis on its own app in Austin and Atlanta, starting in January 2028. The contract between the two companies, which covers those markets, is set to expire in May 2028.
This move comes after months of rising tensions between Waymo and Uber. In May, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi lightly criticized the behavior of Waymo's robotaxis in school zones and emergency situations during an earnings call. Earlier this year, Uber CTO Praveen Neppalli posted a video of what he thought was unsafe and “scary” behavior of a Waymo robotaxi.
Waymo has also found itself on the opposite side of Uber in recent policy fights over robotaxi regulations. The two companies have previously split in Phoenix, with Waymo opting to offer its robotaxis on its own app in that market.
Waymo has yet to comment on the matter, but the move could have significant implications for the development of autonomous vehicles in the US.
Key Takeaways:
- Waymo is seeking an exit from its partnership with Uber in select US cities.
- The contract between the two companies is set to expire in May 2028.
- Waymo plans to offer its robotaxis on its own app in Austin and Atlanta, starting in January 2028.
What's Next?
The implications of Waymo's move are still unclear, but it could lead to further development of autonomous vehicles in the US. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more companies entering the market and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
Quotes:
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Related Developments:
- Uber and Waymo have previously split in Phoenix, with Waymo opting to offer its robotaxis on its own app in that market.
- The two companies have been involved in a number of policy fights over robotaxi regulations in recent months.