Waymo Gears Up to Launch Robotaxi Service in Detroit

Waymo driverless robotaxis are getting acquainted with the lay of the land, or should I say, the streets of Detroit.

Currently, Waymo’s robotaxis are being tested with a Waymo employee on board during the mapping process. According to WXYZ Channel 7, Detroit is one of three American cities where these autonomous vehicles are undergoing testing.

When will Detroit residents most likely be able to use Waymo cars for transportation?

No exact date has been announced yet, but you can register here to receive updates on all upcoming Waymo news in Detroit.

As you might expect, winter weather in the Great Lakes State raises some concerns. Any Michigan driver will tell you that during the winter months, roads can be downright treacherous and hazardous.

Would you feel comfortable letting a Waymo robotaxi navigate the roads for you on a cold, icy winter day, or even at night when conditions can be especially slippery and visibility is limited?

Those are certainly valid concerns. That said, Waymo opened a development center in Novi in 2016. According to Click on Detroit, the company has become very familiar with the challenges of a Michigan winter.

Is it just me, or did we start talking about flying cars long before self-driving cars? I asked the internet when we can actually expect to see flying cars here on Earth, and the answer is 2040.

The takeaway? Don’t rush to delete your Uber or Lyft apps just yet. Even with all the talk of futuristic flying cars or self-driving vehicles, these ride-sharing services are still your best bet for getting around quickly, safely, and without the hassle of parking.