Volvo Cars, Alphabet’s Waymo partner to build self-driving vehicles | Tech News

Volvo Cars, Alphabet’s Waymo partner to build self-driving vehicles

Waymo and Volvo did not say when or where they expect to launch their new ride-hailing vehicle.

By:REUTERS
| Updated on: Aug 20 2022, 21:43 IST
Waymo has a new partner to develop self-driving cars
Waymo has a new partner to develop self-driving cars (REUTERS)

Waymo and the Volvo Cars Group have agreed to develop a self-driving electric vehicle designed for ride hailing use, as part of a new global partnership, the companies said on Thursday.

Waymo, a unit of Silicon Valley's Alphabet Inc, said it will be the exclusive global partner for Volvo Cars for developing self-driving vehicles capable of operating safely without routine driver intervention.

You may be interested in

MobilesTablets Laptops
7% OFF
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
  • Black Titanium
  • 8 GB RAM
  • 256 GB Storage
28% OFF
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G
  • Green
  • 12 GB RAM
  • 256 GB Storage
Google Pixel 8 Pro
  • Obsidian
  • 12 GB RAM
  • 128 GB Storage
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
  • Black
  • 6 GB RAM
  • 128 GB Storage

Waymo will focus on the artificial intelligence and certain hardware, including cameras, lidar and radar, for the automated "driver." Volvo will design and manufacture the vehicles. The companies said Waymo will work with Volvo's global brands, including Polestar and Lynk & Co.

Also read
Looking for a smartphone? To check mobile finder click here.

ALSO READ: Driverless Car Industry Gets a Nudge on Standards and Transparency

Volvo, owned by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co , has a separate agreement to deliver vehicles to ride hailing company Uber Technologies Inc that Uber will equip to operate as self-driving vehicles. Volvo Cars is continuing to deliver vehicles to Uber.

Uber's development of self-driving vehicle technology was disrupted after a self-driving Volvo SUV operated by Uber struck and killed a pedestrian in Arizona in 2018. More recently, Uber has been slashing costs and staff to offset revenue lost to the coronavirus pandemic. Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi has said Uber is open to using competitors' technology. 

ALSO READ: China's Didi aims for 1 mn robotaxis on its platform by 2030

The Waymo-Volvo deal marks a return by Waymo to its early goal of rethinking how cars that can pilot themselves should look. Since retiring its Firefly self-driving car in 2017, Waymo has retrofitted its software and sensors into conventional vehicles such as Chrysler Pacifica minivans. Waymo also is developing technology for self-driving commercial trucks.

Waymo earlier this year raised $3 billion in its first external investment round.

Rival Cruise, majority-owned by General Motors Co, last year unveiled a prototype for an electric, self-driving people carrier called the Cruise Origin.

Waymo said it will continue working with Fiat Chrysler, Jaguar Land Rover and the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance. 

Catch all the Latest Tech News, Mobile News, Laptop News, Gaming news, Wearables News , How To News, also keep up with us on Whatsapp channel,Twitter, Facebook, Google News, and Instagram. For our latest videos, subscribe to our YouTube channel.

First Published Date: 26 Jun, 07:51 IST
Tags:
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS