Waymo Expands Autonomous Tech to Denver & Seattle: Testing Robotaxis in Extreme Weather Conditions

Waymo unveiled its plans on Tuesday to deploy its self-driving Jaguar I-Pace SUVs and Zeekr vans in Denver and Seattle starting this week, marking an expansion of its operations across the United States.

Initially, these vehicles will be operated manually before Waymo initiates testing of its autonomous technology in both cities. The company aims to commence offering robotaxi rides in Denver by next year and in the Seattle metropolitan area as soon as authorization is granted. By subjecting its tech to the challenging weather conditions of Denver and Seattle, including snow, wind, and rain, Waymo seeks to gauge its performance in environments less common in cities like Phoenix.

The addition of Denver and Seattle extends Waymo’s presence in the United States, following its announcement last week that it boasts over 2,000 robotaxis across its national commercial fleet. The San Francisco Bay Area houses 800 units, Los Angeles 500, Phoenix 400, Austin 100, and Atlanta “dozens.” Waymo also revealed intentions to establish a commercial robotaxi service in Dallas, Miami, and Washington D.C., next year, while it recently acquired a permit for testing in New York City.

Waymo’s ambitions extend beyond these cities, with vehicles already taken on “road trips” to locations such as Philadelphia, and plans to do the same in Las Vegas, San Diego, Houston, Orlando, and San Antonio.