New Waymo Robotaxi now Running Fully Autonomously on US Roads

2025-12-15 · Source: aibusiness · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Robotics & Autonomous Systems · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Waymo has deployed its sixth-generation Waymo Driver technology, enabling fully autonomous operations without human safety drivers, initially for employees and guests in its new Ojai robotaxi. The Ojai, based on the Zeekr Mix, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 will form the core of Waymo's future fleet, with tens of thousands of units produced annually. This updated technology, designed for multi-platform compatibility, reduces sensor count to 13 cameras, four Lidars, and six radar units, cutting costs while improving performance and enabling operations in diverse environments, including extreme weather. Waymo, valued at $126 billion with $16 billion in recent funding, is expanding its robotaxi service, having recently launched in Nashville, adding to existing operations in San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, and Austin, aiming for over one million paid rides weekly by year-end.

Key takeaway

For investors tracking the autonomous vehicle market, Waymo's rapid expansion into new cities and its goal of over one million weekly paid rides by year-end signals strong market leadership and growth potential. Your assessment of AV sector viability should account for Waymo's demonstrated ability to scale operations and attract significant funding, reinforcing its position as a dominant player.

Key insights

Waymo's sixth-generation autonomous driving tech reduces costs, enhances performance, and expands operational capabilities.

Principles

• Multi-platform compatibility drives scalability.
• Sensor optimization can reduce cost while improving performance.

In practice

• Waymo is deploying Zeekr Mix-based Ojai robotaxis.
• The new system uses 13 cameras, 4 Lidars, 6 radar units.

Topics

• Waymo Driver
• Autonomous Vehicles
• Robotaxi Services
• Sensor Fusion
• AI for Autonomous Driving

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by aibusiness.