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What is Waymo expanding to now?
Waymo is now extending its autonomous vehicle service to include freeway routes in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. This marks a major milestone, as it’s the first time Waymo is offering freeway rides in multiple cities. The company is also expanding curbside airport pickups at San Jose Mineta International Airport and testing new highway protocols to improve safety and efficiency.
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Are freeway robotaxis safe?
Waymo and other companies are rigorously testing their autonomous systems with safety agencies to ensure they are safe for public use. While no technology is completely risk-free, these companies are implementing advanced safety protocols, extensive testing, and gradual rollouts to build trust and ensure passenger safety on busy highways.
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How is autonomous driving changing cities?
Autonomous vehicles are transforming urban mobility by reducing congestion, improving access for those unable to drive, and decreasing emissions. Cities are adapting infrastructure and regulations to accommodate self-driving cars, which could lead to more efficient traffic flow and new transportation options like robotaxi services in urban areas.
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When will self-driving cars be everywhere?
While significant progress has been made, widespread adoption of fully autonomous cars is still a few years away. Factors like regulatory approval, technological advancements, and public acceptance will influence how quickly self-driving cars become a common sight on roads worldwide. Experts estimate it could take until the late 2020s or early 2030s for autonomous vehicles to be mainstream.
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What companies are leading in autonomous vehicle tech?
Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, is among the leaders in autonomous vehicle technology, with ongoing expansions and testing. Other key players include Tesla, Cruise, and Uber, each developing their own self-driving systems and services. The industry is highly competitive, with continuous innovations aimed at making autonomous driving safer and more reliable.
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What challenges do autonomous vehicles still face?
Despite rapid advancements, autonomous vehicles face challenges such as complex urban environments, unpredictable human behavior, and regulatory hurdles. Ensuring safety, managing cybersecurity risks, and gaining public trust are ongoing concerns that companies and regulators are actively working to address.