Waymo расширяет горизонты: роботакси незамедлительно готовится к выходу на новые рынки Translated headline: Waymo Expands Horizons: Robotaxi Readies for Launch in New Markets

Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, is set to broaden its robotaxi service to include Minneapolis, Tampa, and New Orleans. This information was reported by CNBC.

Initially, the company will conduct test rides with human drivers, with the full launch of driverless taxis anticipated in 2026. This expansion will bring the total number of cities with planned services to 15.

In the coming weeks, a pilot program will kick off in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Miami, and Orlando. Previously, the company announced plans to introduce vehicles in Detroit, Denver, Las Vegas, Nashville, San Diego, Washington, and London.

Currently, the service operates in Austin, Phoenix, Atlanta, and Los Angeles, having completed over 10 million paid rides since its inception in 2020.

Last week, Waymo began offering routes on highways in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, marking a significant milestone for the company and the robotaxi industry, particularly given the challenges associated with operating autonomous vehicles at high speeds.

Next year, the company plans to tackle a new critical objective: to begin operations in markets characterized by harsh winter conditions.

«We’re working in sub-zero temperatures, including frost and hail, to test our system’s capabilities in more severe weather conditions,» stated Waymo representative Ethan Teicher.

Despite the confident strides made by Waymo and other American players in the autonomous taxi sector, Chinese companies are expanding their international presence at a faster rate.

«I believe robotaxis have reached a turning point both here in China and in the U.S.,» said Baidu CEO Robin Li. He noted that many individuals have already experienced rides and shared positive feedback on social media. The widespread acknowledgment of the benefits of this mode of transportation could expedite the approval process from regulatory bodies.

Li’s comments echoed optimistic sentiments expressed by CEO Jensen Huang and Xpeng President Brian Gu. The latter has shifted from a cautious stance after witnessing rapid progress, with his company set to launch robotaxis in Guangzhou, China, next year.

Chinese firms assert they are nearing profitability in the robotaxi business.

Over the past year and a half, Baidu, Pony.ai, and WeRide have formed partnerships with Uber to facilitate the hail of autonomous taxis in specific locations.

Such partnerships «will be crucial for success,» as they enhance operational efficiency and speed up the path to profitability, according to senior analyst Murtuza Ali of Counterpoint.

Additionally, in September, Amazon joined the autonomous transport race in the U.S. with the public launch of Zoox on the Las Vegas Strip on September 10.

In July, flying taxi manufacturer Joby Aviation delivered its first aircraft to the UAE and completed pilot testing, with service expected to launch in the region by 2026.