UK Self-Driving Startup Wayve Expands Testing to San Francisco
Well-funded UK startup Wayve brings its self-learning autonomous driving technology to the U.S., launching initial tests with Ford Mustang Mach-Es in San Francisco.
UK startup Wayve begins testing its self-learning autonomous driving software on the streets of San Francisco. The company marks this entry into the U.S. market by also opening a new office in Sunnyvale, California. Test drivers currently navigate the Bay Area with their hands off the wheel in a small fleet of modified Ford Mustang Mach-E electric vehicles.
Wayve takes a self-learning approach to automated driving rather than relying on rigid, rules-based systems, a strategy similar to Tesla's method. The company starts with a more limited version of its technology before attempting advanced maneuvers. This cautious rollout allows Wayve to safely gather real-world data in a notoriously complex urban environment.
This American expansion follows a massive $1 billion funding round led by SoftBank Group, with additional investments from Nvidia, Microsoft, and Uber. Ultimately, Wayve aims to sell its "Embodied AI" technology to traditional automakers seeking self-driving solutions as well as broader robotics companies looking for advanced intelligence platforms.