What exactly is Waymo Autopilot? Waymo's self-driving vehicle system began as a Google initiative.
Monday, November 15, 2021 | Chimniii Desk
Key Highlights
In the autonomous and semi-autonomous industry, he recently stated that Tesla was "no rival at all" to Waymo's system.
What exactly is Waymo Autopilot? Waymo's self-driving vehicle system began as a Google initiative.
Unlike Tesla, which equips its cars, SUVs, and upcoming trucks with Tesla Autopilot, Waymo does not manufacture its own vehicles.
What makes Tesla Autopilot unique?While Waymo is pursuing a completely automated driving system, Krafcik believes Tesla is not.
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Is Waymo superior to Tesla? John Krafcik, CEO of Waymo, believes so. In the autonomous and semi-autonomous industry, he recently stated that Tesla was "no rival at all" to Waymo's system. Elon Musk retorted that Waymo is too pricey. Is that correct? Let's take a look at what Waymo has that Tesla doesn't.
What exactly is Waymo Autopilot?
Waymo's self-driving vehicle system began as a Google initiative. It bills itself as a self-driving car firm. Unlike Tesla, which equips its cars, SUVs, and upcoming trucks with Tesla Autopilot, Waymo does not manufacture its own vehicles. Rather than that, it engages with automobile manufacturers to integrate its driving technology into vehicles.
Currently, Toyota Priuses, Lexus SUVs, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans, and Jaguar I-PACEs all feature variants of Waymo's semi-autonomous and autonomous driving capabilities. Waymo has introduced driverless taxis in Phoenix, Arizona, using the Chrysler Pacifica. Google Maps users can utilise these fully autonomous minivans.
Waymo claims that by creating autonomous driving systems, it will contribute to lifesaving efforts. Humans make the same errors that driverless cars do. However, the technology and capacities necessary to deploy large numbers of autonomous automobiles on public roads are years away.
They are currently working on developing autonomous driving systems for trucks, which account for little more than 10% of all fatal crashes each year. Waymo just announced a partnership with J.B. Hunt to expand its operations in Texas.
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What makes Tesla Autopilot unique?
While Waymo is pursuing a completely automated driving system, Krafcik believes Tesla is not. Rather than that, he feels Tesla is only developing an excellent driver assistance software. Tesla is now using Tesla Autopilot, a semi-autonomous driving system. Tesla drivers are still need to maintain a constant grip on the wheel (though not all do).
According to Business Insider, Krafcik stated in an interview that Tesla only has a "very good driver assistance system."
Individuals considering a Tesla can spend an additional $10,000 for full self-driving (FSD), which, despite its name, does not yet enable complete autonomy. Musk expresses hope that it will one day. Summon is currently the only fully driverless option available on Teslas. Summon enables Tesla owners to summon their vehicle from up to 200 feet away.
Furthermore, Krafcik feels Waymo's sensors are superior to Tesla's. Waymo makes use of the same technology as the majority of automobile manufacturers: radar, lidar, and cameras. Tesla recently discontinued the production of Model 3 and Model Y vehicles equipped with radar sensors in favour of Tesla Vision. Tesla Vision makes use of cameras to assess whether or not there are objects in the vehicle's path and to measure distance.
In response to Krafcik's comments, Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk stated that Waymo's self-driving cars will be prohibitively expensive, starting at $100,000. While a Tesla may be purchased for significantly less than that at $38,000, it's worth remembering that the recently introduced Tesla Model S Plaid starts at $131,000.
The race to complete automation is still ongoing. It will be interesting to see who has the greatest influence on completely self-driving cars, Tesla or Waymo.
