Autonomous driving technology company Waymo has partnered with automaker Zeekr to develop the next generation of vehicles for ride-hailing services. Zeekr provides the base electric vehicle platform, called the Zeekr RT, which is purpose-built for autonomous applications. Waymo then integrates its proprietary 6th-generation Waymo Driver technology, including hardware and software, to create the final autonomous vehicle. This collaboration follows Waymo’s established process, which is similar to their work with Jaguar I-PACE vehicles.
Credit: Zeekr
The tech behind the Zeekr RT
The Waymo Driver, integrated into the Zeekr RT, is equipped with an impressive array of 13 cameras, four lidar units, six radar sensors, and external audio receivers (EARs), ensuring a 360-degree view of its surroundings. To maintain optimal performance in various weather conditions, the Waymo Driver features a specially designed system to keep its sensors clean.
This custom-designed sensor-cleaning system includes tiny wipers and spray nozzles for windshield wiper fluid, specifically created by Waymo, to ensure clear visibility for the cameras and lidar sensors. The robotaxi’s advanced sensor suite provides overlapping fields of view all around the vehicle, functioning effectively both day and night.
The Zeekr RT serves as the base vehicle for Waymo’s autonomous driving technology. The Waymo Driver, which provides the autonomous capabilities, is integrated into the Zeekr RT. This integration includes Waymo’s own suite of sensors and a powerful onboard computer. This powerful AI platform unifies various intelligent functions such as automated driving, parking, occupant monitoring, and infotainment into a single architecture.
Credit: Zeekr
Comfort meets innovation
Inside, passengers will find a spacious cabin with a fully configurable interior, which can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of Waymo’s ride-hailing service. The Zeekr RT is built on Zeekr’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform and features an 800V ultra-fast charging e-powertrain, showcasing the latest advancements in electric vehicle technology.
Credit: Zeekr
ROBOTS TAKE THE WHEEL AS SAN FRANCISCO OPENS STREETS TO DRIVERLESS TAXIS
From drawing board to reality
The journey from concept to production has been swift and impressive. The Zeekr RT was designed and developed at Zeekr’s R&D facility, CEVT (China Europe Vehicle Technology Centre) in Gothenburg, Sweden. Waymo has been testing prototype versions of the Zeekr RT on public roads in San Francisco and Phoenix, with human safety drivers at the helm. Mass production of the Zeekr RT is set to begin later this year, with initial deliveries to Waymo for further testing and validation.
Credit: Zeekr
ELECTRIC AIR TAXI AS QUIET AS A DISHWASHER POISED TO CHANGE AIR TRAVEL
The road ahead
As Waymo prepares to integrate the Zeekr RT into its commercial fleet, the future of autonomous ride-hailing services looks promising. Waymo plans to deploy these vehicles in its Waymo One service, which currently operates in select cities like Phoenix and San Francisco. After thorough testing, Waymo aims to operate these vehicles in fully driverless mode, marking a significant milestone in autonomous transportation. The introduction of a cost-effective and passenger-friendly vehicle could give Waymo a competitive edge in the growing robotaxi market.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
The Zeekr RT is a pretty big deal in the world of self-driving cars. It’s cool to see car companies and tech firms teaming up like this. As these robotaxis hit the streets for testing, we’re getting a sneak peek at what city travel might look like in the near future. Sure, there are still some bumps in the road ahead, but the Zeekr RT is definitely pushing us closer to a world where calling a self-driving cab is as normal as ordering a pizza.
Would you feel comfortable taking a ride in a driverless robotaxi? Let us know in the comments below.
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