History of Waymo?
Early Beginnings (2009)
In 2009, Google acquired the technology and expertise of a company called SenseTime, which focused on 3D mapping and sensor fusion. SenseTime was founded in 2006 by a team of engineers who had previously worked on projects related to computer vision and robotics. Google acquired SenseTime to gain access to its advanced sensor fusion technology, which would later become a key component of Waymo's autonomous driving system.
Project Kitty Hawk (2010)
In 2010, Google launched its self-driving car project, codenamed "Project Kitty Hawk." The project aimed to develop a fully autonomous vehicle that could navigate roads and traffic without human intervention. The name "Kitty Hawk" was chosen in honor of the location of the Wright brothers' first powered flight, as well as the idea of exploring the frontiers of autonomous driving.
Waymo's Early Development (2011-2013)
In the early days, Waymo's development team focused on building a sensor suite that could gather data from the environment and use it to make decisions about navigation. The team also worked on developing sophisticated algorithms that could process the vast amounts of data generated by the sensors. During this period, Waymo's vehicles were largely confined to a test track in California, where the team could fine-tune the system and gather data.
Waymo's First Self-Driving Cars (2013)
In 2013, Waymo unveiled its first self-driving cars, which were designed to operate on public roads. The vehicles were equipped with a range of sensors, including cameras, radar, and lidar, which were used to gather data about the environment and make decisions about navigation. Waymo's first self-driving cars were initially restricted to a narrow geographic area, but the company quickly expanded its testing to more areas.
Waymo's Partnerships and Funding (2014-2015)
In 2014, Waymo partnered with the City of San Francisco to test its self-driving cars on public roads. The partnership marked an important milestone for Waymo, as it demonstrated the company's ability to work with local governments to integrate its technology into urban infrastructure.
In the same year, Waymo raised $500 million in funding from investors, including Alphabet Inc. and venture capital firms. The funding helped Waymo accelerate its development and expand its operations.
Waymo's Expansion and Diversification (2016)
In 2016, Waymo spun off from Google and became an independent company. The company also expanded its operations to new areas, including the development of self-driving trucks and drones. Waymo's founders, including Sebastian Thrun and Chris Urmson, also established a new company called Argo AI, which would focus on developing self-driving cars for the automotive industry.
Waymo One and Waymo One for cities (2017)
In 2017, Waymo launched Waymo One, a self-driving taxi service designed for cities. Waymo One aimed to provide safe and reliable transportation for passengers, and the service was initially launched in Phoenix, Arizona. Later that year, Waymo announced Waymo One for Cities, a self-driving taxi service designed for urban areas. The service aimed to provide on-demand transportation for residents and commuters.
Waymo's Ride-hailing Partnership (2018)
In 2018, Waymo partnered with Lyft, a ride-hailing company, to offer self-driving taxis to Lyft users. The partnership marked a significant step towards integrating Waymo's technology into the ride-hailing industry. Waymo's self-driving taxis were initially available in Phoenix and other cities, and the company expanded its services to more areas over the following year.
Regulatory Approvals (2019)
In 2019, Waymo received regulatory approvals in several cities, including Arizona, California, and Michigan, to operate self-driving taxis. These approvals enabled Waymo to expand its services and increase its presence in the market. The company also received approval from the National Highway traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to operate self-driving vehicles on public roads.
Waymo's Current Status (2020)
Today, Waymo is one of the leading companies in the autonomous driving industry, with a strong presence in the ride-hailing and taxi services markets. The company continues to develop and improve its technology, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and user experience. Waymo's self-driving taxis are available in several cities, including Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, and the company is expanding its services to more areas.