Waymo begins 6th generation driver sensor testing and validation

Self-driving Robotaxi company Waymo has started sensor testing and validation for its 6th generation vehicle. It will use new autonomous driving technologies to improve the ride experience. Waymo said that this new tech will use current-generation hardware with a cost-effective design that can navigate in more areas.

The company also shared an image of the new Waymo driver with Zeeker’s fleet. This has been a long time coming and the company has decided to upgrade Robotaxis with new vehicles.

Today, the 5th-generation Waymo Driver provides more than 50,000 trips to paying riders weekly. To bring the benefits of our life-saving technology to even more people, please meet our 6th-generation Waymo Driver as it begins sensor testing and validation. pic.twitter.com/tPgaFqCdY7

— Waymo (@Waymo) June 17, 2024

In 2021, Waymo announced OEM collaboration with Geely, a Chinese automaker for a new mobility-focused, electric fleet vehicle for autonomous ride-hailing. This vehicle is designed in Sweden with integrated self-driving capabilities.

This vehicle is designed to prioritize the comfort, convenience, and preferences of Waymo One riders. The rider-first vehicle has a flat floor for better entry, ingress, and egress with a B-pillarless design.

Waymo 6th Gen Driver Vehicle (Source – Waymo)

It has a low step-in height, head and legroom, and adjustable passenger seats. Further information suggests that this Zeekr EV is 4.6 meters in length and has five seats in a 2+3 layout. So far, the firm is pursuing a multi-platform approach to OEM partnerships. The company currently includes a ride-hail fleet of Jaguar I-Paces and Chrysler Pacifica hybrids.

The 5th-generation Waymo Driver was introduced in March 2020 with Jaguar I-Paces with a different hardware suite.