New Robotaxi from Waymo: Fewer Cameras and Lidar Sensors

Autonomous Driving Fewer Sensors—Waymo Introduces New Generation of Robotaxis

2024-08-21 From Sven Prawitz | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

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With a new robotaxi model, Waymo is also introducing new technology. The system for autonomous driving now manages with significantly fewer sensors.

Waymo has introduced a new robotaxi with the sixth generation of its technology for autonomous driving.(Image: Zeekr) — Waymo has introduced a new robotaxi with the sixth generation of its technology for autonomous driving.
(Image: Zeekr)

Waymo has introduced the sixth generation of its autonomous driving system. The new vehicles from the robotaxi company are supposed to get by with fewer cameras and lidar sensors. This has reduced the cost of the system compared to the currently used fifth generation, writes Satish Jeyachandran, Vice President of Engineering, in the Waymo blog.

Specifically, the new sensor set consists of 13 instead of the previous 29 cameras and six radar devices. The number of lidar sensors drops from five to four. In addition, there are a number of external audio receivers. The system is thus supposed to have overlapping fields of view around the vehicle, up to a distance of 500 meters.

Gallery

The absence of a B-pillar leaves significantly more space for the doors, which can be opened up to 1.40 meters wide. This makes it easier for elderly and tall people over 1.95 meters, as well as children, to get in.(Image: Zeekr)

The Chinese car manufacturer Zeekr developed the vehicle for Waymo.(Image: Zeekr)

There are three seats in the back, two in the front.(Image: Waymo)

There is no steering wheel. If the technical supervision needs to intervene, they do so remotely on the vehicle.(Image: Waymo)

Gallery with 5 images

The next development stage of the Waymo system is to be integrated into electric cars of the Zeekr brand from the Chinese Group Geely. Currently, Waymo is operating with converted vehicles of the also battery-powered Jaguar model iPace.

Winter Weather Considered

The new Zeekr vehicle is currently being tested with safety drivers at the wheel. So far, Waymo has not provided any information on when it is to be integrated into the commercial fleet. He expects that the two latest generations of the system will be on the road side by side, Waymo manager Satish Jeyachandran told US broadcaster CNBC. The company has several hundred Jaguar vehicles in operation.

According to media reports, the Chinese version of the Audi A5 is to be equipped with Huawei assistance systems. (Image:Audi)

Furthermore, they have prepared for journeys in colder regions. For the new system, the impacts of winter weather on technology and operating procedures have been taken into account, the blog post continues. Preventive measures have been implemented for every sensor to ensure a clear view of the surroundings. At the moment, Waymo transports passengers using driverless robotaxis in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix (all USA). Currently, the company makes more than 50,000 paid trips per week.

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