Waymo to Map NYC Streets with Self-Driving Vehicles

Waymo's Expansion to New York City

Waymo’s autonomous vehicles are scheduled to begin operating in New York City this Thursday. However, it’s important to note that immediate availability of a robotaxi service in the city is not anticipated.

Data Collection and Technology Advancement

The company is currently focused on gathering data to refine its technology, rather than commercial deployment. Waymo intends to manually operate its vehicles to create detailed maps of the city’s complex environment.

Up to five hybrid Chrysler Pacifica minivans will be deployed in Manhattan. Their route will span from the southern edge of Central Park to the financial district, and extend through the Lincoln Tunnel into a designated area of New Jersey.

Vehicle Deployment and Personnel

By early next year, Waymo plans to introduce several zero-emission Jaguar I-PACEs, also operated manually. Each vehicle will be staffed with a driver and a second person responsible for real-time software monitoring, performance evaluation, and detailed logging of observations.

Advanced Sensor Technology

Despite operating in manual mode, all deployed vehicles will be equipped with the fifth-generation Waymo Driver. This system integrates lidar, radar, and cameras, and benefits from over 20 million miles of autonomous driving experience on public roads, alongside more than 10 billion miles of simulated driving.

The Mapping Process Explained

According to Nick Smith, a Waymo spokesperson, the mapping process is fundamental to their operations. It involves collecting data via the vehicle’s sensor suite, followed by cleaning and annotating the information with key features like crosswalks, road edges, and intersections.

This annotated map then undergoes rigorous quality control testing. The process remains consistent across all locations and is also utilized for ongoing map updates.

Unique Learning Opportunities

Manually driving in New York City will allow Waymo to gather data in challenging weather conditions. This provides valuable learning opportunities for the next iteration of the Waymo Driver.

New York City experiences extreme weather, including heavy rainfall, hurricanes, and significant snowfall – conditions that currently pose challenges for autonomous systems. Real-world testing in these conditions will complement existing data augmentation and simulation efforts.

Regulatory Considerations

Should Waymo decide to test its autonomous vehicles (AVs) in the unpredictable environment of New York City, it will need to obtain a technology testing permit from New York State.

Recent legislation introduced by NYC Mayor de Blasio requires companies testing self-driving cars to acquire additional permits from the NYC DOT, with an annual fee of $5,000.

Current Operations and Future Plans

Intel’s Mobileye was the first company to receive a permit for AV testing in NYC this summer. Waymo, however, is prioritizing the refinement of its self-driving system and the application of learnings across its entire fleet.

Currently, Waymo operates a limited, non-commercial robotaxi service in San Francisco and is expanding its autonomous trucking operations in Texas, California, and Arizona. Furthermore, the California Department of Motor Vehicles recently granted Waymo a “drivered deployment permit,” signaling progress towards launching a paid robotaxi service within the state.