Waymos Self-Driving Vans Will Return to Bay Area Streets on June 8th
Waymos self-driving vans are returning to Bay Area streets on June 8th. The robot cars are back and theyre ready to confuse everyone behind them at four way stops.
The company paused operations during COVID lockdowns and has been gradually ramping back up. San Francisco is ground zero for their expansion beyond the Phoenix area where theyve been operating for years.
TechCrunch reported on the return and what it means for autonomous vehicle development.
Waymo has more miles of self-driving experience than anyone else. Whether that translates to actual safety and commercial viability remains the billion dollar question.
Technology progress in autonomous vehicles has been slower than the hype predicted. Were in year whatever of flying cars being five years away.
The San Francisco streets are a different challenge than Phoenix. Hills fog aggressive cyclists and pedestrians who believe they have right of way in every situation.
Waymo vehicles will initially have safety drivers present. The transition to fully driverless operation happens gradually as the system proves itself.
Local reactions are mixed. Some embrace the technology. Others view it as job killing tech bro nonsense. Both perspectives have validity.
Return announced June 2021
