Waymo and Toyota have agreed to explore a possible deal that can one day lead to a new vehicle designed for traveling and even bringing self-driving technology to consumer cars.
Both companies have signed a preliminary agreement to see the development and setting of an autonomous vehicle platform, according to a blog posted by Waymo. The language used by the companies is unclear-and essentially descends into an arrangement of hey-let-like-we-we do together. One spokesman said more details will be shared if there is a final agreement.
The goal, if Waymo and Toyota officially partner is double. Companies would combine their respective strengths to develop a new autonomous vehicle platform to be used for a robotax service. Companies would also look at Waymo technology behavior in the next generation of Toyota vehicles sold to consumers.
The extension of cooperation will continue to evolve through ongoing discussions, Waymo said in the blog post.
“Toyota is committed to realizing a company with zero traffic accidents and becoming a mobility company that gives mobility to all,” said Hiroki Nakajima, a board member and executive vice president of the Toyota Motor Corporation, in a statement, adding automobile actions “a strong sense of purpose and a common vision with Waymo in the advancement technology.
The time of notice, while it is unclear, is visible. Last week, the General Director of the Sundar Pichai alphabet made remarks when calling for the company’s profits that suggested that Waymo was watching autonomous personal ownership. Waymo has unclearly discussed the licensing of its technology before. However, this was the first time the senior executive of her parent company publicly spoke about the opportunity.
While Waymo has moved from a search and development program to a commercial operation, the company has requested to partner with other businesses. Waymo has a robotax service in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin and soon Atlanta. Historically, Waymo has handled all aspects of the Robotaxi Business, including the application, maintenance and traveling operations.
This has changed in recent months. Waymo has hired MOoves to manage her AV fleet in Phoenix. She has also turned to Uber to share responsibility for robot operations in Austin, and soon in Atlanta.
According to the so -called “Waymo On Uber” Robotaxi Service, Waymo is responsible for vehicle testing, road aid and certain aspects of knight support. Uber manages fleet services such as vehicle cleaning, maintenance, inspections, loading and warehouse operations through a company called Avomo.
