Decoder with Nilay Patel Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana on how to get self-driving taxis to the mall
Oct 5, 2021
Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, is at the forefront of self-driving technology and urban mobility. She discusses the exciting journey of deploying autonomous taxis in cities, tackling regulatory hurdles, and the challenges of real-world testing. The conversation dives into the impact of Tesla's self-driving features and how they complicate industry perceptions. Mawakana also shares insights on partnerships with car manufacturers and innovative designs that anticipate a new era of transportation, redefining how we view mobility in our everyday lives.
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Waymo One in Phoenix
- Waymo One operates in Phoenix, offering fully autonomous rides.
- Riders use the app to hail empty vehicles, enjoying privacy and convenience.
Adapting to Different Environments
- Self-driving technology isn't one-size-fits-all; each area has unique features.
- Waymo trains its tech stack by operating in diverse environments like Phoenix and San Francisco.
Local vs. General Data
- Local challenges, like mall exits, require specific data beyond general mileage.
- Waymo uses diverse driving data (20M real-world miles, 20B simulated miles) to address various scenarios.