Why Waymo's Robotaxis Are Hitting the Arizona Freeway

Published: March 15, 2024, 10 a.m.

After years of promises that driverless cars were just over the horizon, one of the industry's biggest players is headed for the freeway. Now, for the first time, Alphabet\u2019s Waymo is allowing robotaxis to take its employees on high-speed roads in Phoenix, Arizona without a human driver. The move comes just as the industry is facing a harsh reality after high-profile crashes: GM\u2019s Cruise had its permits to operate driverless robotaxis pulled by the California DMV, and Waymo issued its first-ever recall after two of its cars collided with a pickup truck being towed. WSJ reporter Meghan Bobrowsky discusses what this could mean for the future of self-driving cars and where the industry is heading.\n\n\n\nWhat do you think about the show? Let us know on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or email us: FOEPodcast@wsj.com\n\n\n\nFurther reading: \n\nSelf-Driving Cars Enter the Next Frontier: Freeways\n\nSelf-Driving Car Company Waymo Issues First-Ever Recall After Two Phoenix Crashes\xa0\n\nGM\u2019s Cruise Says U.S. Is Investigating Driverless Car\u2019s Collision With Pedestrian\xa0\n\n\u200b\u200bAmerica\u2019s Most Tech-Forward City Has Doubts About Self-Driving Cars\xa0\n\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices