Uber users in Austin can now choose between Waymo Robotaxi and human drivers.
The two companies officially launched the “Waymo On Uber” Robotaxi Service in Austin on Tuesday, as part of a partnership that has deepened in recent months. The launch is a few days before the SXSW (Annual Technology, Music, Film and Comedy Conference) begins in Austin.
Starting today, Uber users who call rides may match Waymo Robotaxi. Users can still choose human-driven vehicles, rather than robots According to Uber. And both options will be the same.
Uber customers who want to increase their chances of matching Waymo can choose Settings through the Ride Preferences section of their Uber app.
Uber and Waymo did not disclose how many robots there were in the Austin fleet.
The companies do share the fleet of Waymo Avs, and hundreds of cars in Austin and Atlanta will grow to hundreds in the next few years.
Waymo and Uber, once bitter rivals, have been in a more friendly attitude in recent years. Waymo’s self-driving cars are already here Uber app in Phoenix Since October 2023. Two companies Expanded partnerships Last year, the more unique “Waymo On Uber” Robotaxi Service was planned to be launched in Austin and Atlanta in 2025 (Not yet available at Atlanta).
The structure of the “Waymo On Uber” service predicts how each company envisions its role in the nascent self-driving car industry.
Under the arrangement, Waymo will be responsible for certain aspects of vehicle testing, roadside assistance and rider support. Uber will manage fleet services such as vehicle cleaning, maintenance, inspection, charging and warehouse operations through a company called Moove Cars, which is renamed Avomo. In 2021, Uber gained 30% minority rights on European company Moove Automobile – Don’t misunderstand Moove, which coincides with Move Manage Waymo’s AV Fleet in Phoenix.
Until 2020, Uber developed its own self-driving car technology through its Uber ATG business. After several controversies, including a lawsuit with Waymo and a fatal crash involving self-driving testing tools, the ride-hailing company stripped Uber ATG in A Complex transactions With Aurora.
final settle down It is Suit With Waymo; in a few years, the two companies will come together on more friendly terms.
Over the past few years, Uber has Emerging robot market Locking partnerships with companies like Waymo.
Uber partnered with 14 self-driving car companies to cover vehicle rides, delivery and trucks, a few of which operate commercially. Last December, Uber launched the Robotaxi ride with Weride in Abu Dhabi. The company also entered into commercial deals with the sidewalk delivery machine company avridecartken and provides robotics technology
