History of Waymo
Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., is a leader in autonomous vehicle technology. It was originally founded in 2009 as part of Google's self-driving car project, which was an initiative to explore and develop the potential of self-driving vehicles. Waymo's mission was to improve transportation safety and accessibility through the use of autonomous technology. In 2016, Waymo became its own distinct company under the Alphabet umbrella, although it continued to benefit from Google's vast resources and expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and mapping.
Waymo made significant progress in its autonomous vehicle technology over the years, with the company achieving numerous milestones in both testing and real-world applications. By 2018, Waymo had begun offering limited self-driving taxi services in Phoenix, Arizona, through its 'Waymo One' program, making it the first commercial autonomous ride-hailing service. This service marked a significant achievement, showing the potential for self-driving cars to be integrated into the public transportation system.
Throughout its history, Waymo has faced both technical challenges and regulatory hurdles, but it has continued to expand its fleet of autonomous vehicles and enhance its technology. The company focuses on developing a fully autonomous driving system that requires no human intervention, and it has partnerships with various automotive manufacturers to accelerate the deployment of its technology. As of today, Waymo remains at the forefront of the autonomous vehicle industry, contributing to advancements in transportation and setting the stage for the future of mobility.