Waymo Discusses How It Knows When Robotaxis Are Safe To Deploy - CleanTechnica

Waymo, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, has shared detailed insights into how it determines when its robotaxis are safe to deploy. With decades of testing and years of operating self-driving taxis, Waymo emphasizes that safety readiness involves a rigorous, evidence-based process applied not only when launching in new areas but also when introducing software updates or new vehicle platforms. The company uses twelve specific acceptance criteria to assess whether its Waymo Driver system meets safety requirements, mitigates known risks, and performs reliably in various environments. This multi-faceted approach combines qualitative and quantitative data to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of residual risk before deployment. Waymo highlights its transparency by publicly disclosing these criteria and its governance framework, which includes oversight by a Safety Framework Steering Committee and Safety Board to maintain accountability and manage risks in evolving conditions. The company aims to set an industry standard for operationalizing the concept of “absence of unreasonable risk,” addressing the current lack of consensus on deployment readiness in the autonomous vehicle sector. By sharing its methodology