Hardware
Waymo Unveils Ojai, Its New Chinese-Made Robotaxi
Waymo will begin offering free rides in its new Ojai robotaxis in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix starting next few weeks.
Photo: Armando Are / Pexels
Waymo, Alphabet's self-driving vehicle developer, is set to roll out its new Ojai robotaxis in the next few weeks, offering free rides to the public in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix. The pale blue minivans, equipped with sensors and steering wheels, are designed for autonomous operation but will initially provide free rides as part of a feedback-gathering initiative. The Ojai represents a significant evolution in Waymo's autonomous driving technology, marking the company's first vehicle specifically built for autonomy rather than adapted for human drivers. The vehicle's design includes a larger cabin with improved accessibility for people with disabilities, along with charging ports and cup holders. The Ojai is also equipped with 13 cameras, six radar systems, and four lidar sensors to support its self-driving capabilities. *Source: [wired](https://www.wired.com/story/here-comes-ojai-waymos-new-chinese-made-robotaxi/)*
The Ojai is based on a mobility platform from Geely's sub-brand Zeekr, which is manufactured in China and then shipped to Waymo's Arizona facility for the addition of its autonomous systems. Waymo claims the vehicle's modular design and improved charging efficiency will enhance operational efficiency. The company plans to produce tens of thousands of driverless-ready vehicles annually. Despite U.S. restrictions on Chinese-made vehicles, Waymo argues that Zeekr only provides the base vehicle, with all autonomous systems added in the U.S. This has drawn criticism from some politicians, who have questioned the company's partnership with Chinese automakers. *Source: [wired](https://www.wired.com/story/here-comes-ojai-waymos-new-chinese-made-robotaxi/)*
Waymo's expansion plans include launching its service in at least 20 new regions, including London and Tokyo. The company's vice president of engineering, Satish Jeyachandran, stated that the new system is designed for long-term growth across multiple vehicle platforms, including environments with harsh winters. However, Waymo has suspended its highway driving program due to operational concerns in construction zones and faced service shutdowns in six U.S. cities due to issues with flooding. *Source: [wired](https://www.wired.com/story/here-comes-ojai-waymos-new-chinese-made-robotaxi/)*
Key points
- Waymo will begin offering free rides in its new Ojai robotaxis in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix starting next few weeks.
- The Ojai is a vehicle built specifically for autonomy, unlike Waymo's previous models adapted for human drivers.
- The Ojai is based on a mobility platform from Geely's sub-brand Zeekr, which is manufactured in China.
- Waymo plans to produce tens of thousands of driverless-ready vehicles annually.
- The Ojai includes a larger cabin with improved accessibility for people with disabilities, along with charging ports and cup holders.
- The Ojai is equipped with 13 cameras, six radar systems, and four lidar sensors to support its self-driving capabilities.
- Waymo's vice president of engineering, Satish Jeyachandran, stated that the new system is designed for long-term growth across multiple vehicle platforms.