Waymo Resumes Autonomous Truck Testing in Metro Phoenix
Waymo returns its self-driving Class 8 trucks to Arizona freeways for advanced testing. The vehicles carry both empty cargo and test freight alongside human safety drivers.
Waymo brings its self-driving Class 8 trucks back to Arizona for a new round of advanced testing on metro Phoenix freeways. The Alphabet subsidiary initially tested these autonomous big rigs in the state in 2017 but pauses the program later that year to gather basic data. This current phase represents a more advanced stage in the development of Waymo's self-driving truck technology.
The autonomous trucks operate with two trained safety drivers who take control if necessary during the highway tests. Waymo runs the vehicles both empty and carrying test freight, although the company clarifies that this cargo serves purely for testing purposes and does not constitute a commercial business operation. The company keeps specific details about fleet sizes and future expansion outside of Phoenix confidential for now.
These self-driving trucks share Arizona roads with other autonomous freight companies like TuSimple as part of Waymo's broader business strategy. Beyond transporting goods, Waymo focuses on its Waymo One ride-hailing service with Chrysler Pacifica hybrids and plans to eventually license its autonomous technology to vehicle manufacturers. The return of the big rigs highlights the company's multi-pronged approach to revolutionizing transportation.