In a groundbreaking move, Waymo and Uber Technologies have announced a new multi-year strategic partnership aimed at making autonomous driving more widely accessible. This collaboration will see the integration of Waymo’s leading autonomous driving technology with the vast scale of Uber’s ridesharing and delivery networks, ultimately allowing more people to experience the benefits of self-driving vehicles.
Having both been founded in 2009, Waymo and Uber have individually transformed the landscape of mobility in their own unique ways. Now, they are joining forces to bring together their expertise and resources for a shared goal. The partnership will commence in Phoenix, where Waymo will make its advanced autonomous driving technology available through the Uber platform.
The initial phase of this integration, set to launch later this year, will involve a specific number of Waymo vehicles operating within Waymo’s expanded service area in Phoenix. Users of the Uber and Uber Eats apps will have the opportunity to experience the safety and convenience of riding in a Waymo vehicle. Local deliveries and ride-hailing trips will be made possible through the Waymo Driver, enabling users to access a fully autonomous transportation experience.
Despite this collaboration, riders will still have the option to directly hail a Waymo vehicle using the Waymo One app. It is worth noting that Waymo’s Phoenix operations currently cover an impressive area of over 180 square miles, making it the largest fully autonomous service region globally.
Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We’re excited to offer another way for people to experience the enjoyable and life-saving benefits of full autonomy. Uber has long been a leader in human-operated ridesharing, and the pairing of our pioneering technology and all-electric fleet with their customer network provides Waymo with an opportunity to reach even more people.”
Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, noting, “Uber provides access to a global and reliable marketplace across mobility, delivery, and freight. Fully autonomous driving is quickly becoming part of everyday life, and we’re excited to bring Waymo’s incredible technology to the Uber platform.”
This partnership between Waymo and Uber is poised to revolutionize the transportation industry by combining Waymo’s cutting-edge technology with Uber’s extensive customer base. As the demand for autonomous vehicles continues to grow, both companies are committed to delivering a safe, enjoyable, and fully electric autonomous driving experience to users worldwide.
