TransportXtra features news, opinion and analysis from the UK transport policy & planning;
passenger transport; urban development & parking industries.

Google launches self-driving car company called Waymo

Mark Moran
16 December 2016
 

Google has created a new company called Waymo for its development work on self-driving car technology. The new business will be owned by Google’s parent company, Alphabet. 

This is regarded as a sign that Alphabet is planning commercialise the technology that Google has been developing for over a decade. 

John Krafcik, chief executive for Google self-driving cars, will become Waymo’s chief executive. Launching the new business, he said: “We believe that this technology can begin to reshape some of the ten trillion miles that motor vehicles travel around the world every year, with safer, more efficient and more accessible forms of transport.”

The creation of Waymo also suggests that Google will deviate from its original goal of only offering 100% self-driving vehicles. Waymo will try to apply the technology behind self-driving vehicles to other purposes. “We can see our technology being useful in personal vehicles, ride-sharing, logistics, or solving 'last mile' problems for public transport,” said Krafcik.

A film shown at the media launch for Waymo depicted a blind man who was able to make a trip using a prototype self-driving car in 2015, but the company spoke about it for the first time on Tuesday. 

“Steve Mahan rode alone in one of our prototype vehicles, cruising through Austin’s suburbs,” said Krafcik. "Steve is legally blind, so our sensors and software were his chauffeur.”

Specialist Transport Services Manager
Warrington Borough Council
Warrington
GRADE 13 (£58,797 - £63,735)
Specialist Transport Services Manager
Warrington Borough Council
Warrington
GRADE 13 (£58,797 - £63,735)
Specialist Transport Services Manager
Warrington Borough Council
Warrington
GRADE 13 (£58,797 - £63,735)
View all Vacancies
 
Search
 
 
 

TransportXtra is part of Landor LINKS

© 2024 TransportXtra | Landor LINKS Ltd | All Rights Reserved

Subscriptions, Magazines & Online Access Enquires
[Frequently Asked Questions]
Email: subs.ltt@landor.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7959

Shop & Accounts Enquires
Email: accounts@landor.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7855

Advertising Sales & Recruitment Enquires
Email: daniel@landor.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7861

Events & Conference Enquires
Email: conferences@landor.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7865

Press Releases & Editorial Enquires
Email: info@transportxtra.com | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7875

Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Advertise

Web design london by Brainiac Media 2020