Waymo partners Google to launch self-driving pilot program in Atlanta

Waymo is partnering up with Google to launch a pilot program in Atlanta to focus on self-driving trucks and automated logistics. All self-driving trucks from Waymo will be hauling cargo destined for Google’s Atlanta-based data centres as part of the program. The pilot program will be starting from next week.

As per the partnership, Waymo will develop their technology and integrate it into the operations of shippers and carriers, with their network of factories, distribution centres, ports and terminals.  The company announced in a Medium post, "Atlanta is one of the biggest logistics hubs in the country, making it a natural home for Google's logistical operations and the perfect environment for our next phase of testing Waymo's self-driving trucks."

The ride-hailing company also stated, "Waymo will work with Google to develop its systems and integrate them into shipping operations and a network of factories, distribution centres, ports and terminals. With Waymo in the driver’s seat, we can re-imagine many different types of transportation — from ride-hailing to logistics.”

The self-driving trucks from Waymo use the same suite of custom-built sensors that power the company's self-driving minivans. They will also use the same self-driving software that has enabled Waymo's passenger cars to go fully driverless in Arizona. The company said that they are planning to launch the fully driverless ride-hailing pilot in Phoenix later this year.

Earlier this month, Waymo was looking to team up with Uber to supply autonomous vehicles, following the legal settlement with Alphabet's self-driving car division unit.