Waymo and Uber Technologies have announced a new strategic partnership aimed at making Waymo’s autonomous driving technology available to a wider audience through the Uber platform. The collaboration will initially launch in Phoenix.
By joining forces, Waymo’s autonomous driving technology will be integrated with Uber’s extensive ridesharing and delivery networks. The partnership will commence later this year with a limited number of Waymo vehicles operating within Waymo’s expanded service area in Phoenix. These vehicles will be available for local deliveries and ride-hailing trips.
Uber users can experience the Waymo Driver’s features on both the Uber and Uber Eats applications. Additionally, passengers will still be able to request a Waymo vehicle directly through the Waymo One app. With an area spanning over 180 square miles, Waymo’s Phoenix operations currently represent the world’s largest fully autonomous service coverage.
Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, expressed enthusiasm about offering people another way to experience the benefits of full autonomy. She highlighted Uber’s leadership in human-operated ridesharing and emphasized how the collaboration with Waymo’s pioneering technology and all-electric fleet would enable Waymo to reach a broader audience.
Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, emphasized that Uber’s global and reliable marketplace across various mobility sectors makes it an ideal platform for the integration of fully autonomous driving technology. He expressed excitement about bringing Waymo’s impressive technology to the Uber platform.
