Autonomous vehicle company Waymo is about to launch a pilot progam in Atlanta fusing self-driving trucks to transport cargo to Google’s datacenters. The venture will be an adventurous and risky one for Waymo, which has previously only delved into self-driving sedans.
“Our software is learning to drive big rigs in much the same way a human driver would after years of driving passenger cars,” the company said in a blog post. The principles are the same, but things like braking, turning, and blind spots are different with a fully loaded truck and trailer.”
Uber has also entered the freight industry, posing a significant threat to Waymo’s piece of the big rig market.
“This pilot will let us further develop our technology and integrate it into the operations of shippers and carriers, with their network of factories, distribution centers, ports, and terminals,” Waymo added.
Atlanta is seen as a ripe testing ground for Waymo as the city has positioned itself as a smart city. Earlier this year, Atlanta issued a request for proposal (RFP) for a SmartCity Strategic Infrastructure Initiative. The aim is for the city to foster working relationships with businesses in planning and developing smart city projects.