The company is providing data about potholes to select cities to enhance safety for both human and robotic drivers. Cities have recently enlisted Waymo to help locate potholes, leveraging Waymo’s existing data. Waymo, along with Google’s Waze, is launching a pilot program to share crater data with local authorities, aiming to improve road safety for all. This initiative seeks to foster positive relationships with cities, particularly as Waymo navigates opposition in some areas regarding its driverless cars.
Arielle Fleisher, Waymo’s policy development and research manager, expressed that cities requested pothole data, which the company collects, prompting them to facilitate this sharing. Waymo’s technology uses cameras, radar, and physical feedback systems to detect road irregularities, initially for vehicle safety and now to aid cities as well. This process is automated to ensure high-quality data provision.
Recent incidents, like a Waymo vehicle’s encounter with a pothole in San Francisco, help refine their technology, benefiting the entire fleet. The pilot utilizes the Waze for Cities platform, offering cities access to real-time traffic data, aiding decisions such as pothole repairs and allowing for user-verified validations. Waymo launched this effort after feedback from city officials, emphasizing its commitment to safe streets and collaborative partnerships.
In cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, and Atlanta, the pilot has identified around 500 potholes, with potential expansion to other street issues based on further feedback. Waymo aims to establish itself as a collaborative partner with cities, countering perceptions of technology replacing jobs. Despite union pushback in areas like Boston and New York, Waymo maintains that its vehicles are safer than human drivers, thus enhancing street quality and traffic safety.
By demonstrating that its vehicles can contribute to improved street conditions and safety, Waymo hopes to influence policy positively. Fleisher highlights their goal of safer streets and addressing pothole challenges, reflecting their commitment to being a valuable partner to cities.