In collaboration with Google, Waymo will be launching a pilot program in Atlanta that will focus on self-driving trucks and automated logistics. All these trucks will be carrying cargo that will be used for Google’s data centers based out of Atlanta. The pilot program will start the forthcoming week.
As an agreement in the partnership, Waymo will develop the technology and integrate it into the core functions of shippers and carriers and connecting their network of factories, distribution centers, ports and terminals. In an announcement, the company stated, “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 further added, “Waymo will work with Google to develop its systems and integrate them into shipping operations and a network of factories, distribution centers, ports and terminals. With Waymo in the driver’s seat, we can re-imagine many different types of transportation — from ride-hailing to logistics.”
These self-driving trucks use the same tailor-made sensors that are used in Waymo’s self-driving minivans. The software part will be similar to the one that they have used for the company’s self-driving cars in Arizona.
The company said that they are planning to launch the fully driverless ride-hailing pilot in Phoenix later this year.
Following the legal settlement with Alphabet’s self-driving car unit, Waymo will look forward to partnership with Uber to supply autonomous vehicles.
