Starting at mile one
We started on this journey over a decade ago. Every mile we’ve driven on every road we’ve traveled has led us to where we are today. And we’re in it for the long haul — we’ve only just begun.
Seeing
the road ahead
Waymo’s mission is to make it safe and easy for people and things to get where they’re going. From moving people to moving goods, we’re taking autonomous driving to new places. Our mission is big and our work has the potential to transform lives.
‘09
The Google self-driving car project begins
We set out on a challenge to drive autonomously over ten uninterrupted 100-mile routes in our Toyota Prius vehicles. Months later, we’d succeeded in driving more autonomous miles than had ever been driven before.‘15
First fully autonomous ride on public roads
We explored what fully autonomous cars could be with the Firefly. These cars had custom sensors, computers, steering, and braking, with no steering wheel or pedals. That year, our friend Steve Mahan, who’s legally blind, took the world’s first fully autonomous ride on public roads in Austin, TX.‘17
Waymo becomes an independent autonomous driving technology company
Waymo was established under Alphabet as an autonomous driving technology company with a mission to make it safe and easy for people and things to get where they’re going.‘17
Autonomously driven Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans
We partnered with FCA to introduce a modified version of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan to our fleet - our first vehicle built on a mass-production platform designed for and integrated with the Waymo Driver.‘17
Waymo's Early Rider Program begins
Next, we invited residents in Phoenix, AZ to join us in the first public trial of autonomously driven vehicles. Their feedback has been integral in helping shape our technology, service, and customer experience.‘18
Waymo One launches in Phoenix
We launched the world’s first commercial autonomous ride-hailing service.‘19
Fully autonomous rides ramp up within Waymo One
We began offering fully autonomous rides to select Waymo One riders in the Metro Phoenix area.‘20
Waymo Via expands truck testing to New Mexico and Texas
We introduced Waymo Via as our business unit dedicated to moving goods, and expanded our testing into New Mexico and Texas. We conducted trucking and delivery pilot programs, exploring how logistics partners could move goods more safely and efficiently with the Waymo Driver.‘20
Opened up fully autonomous, rider-only service to members of the public in Metro Phoenix
Today, anyone in the U.S. can download the Waymo app directly (available on Google Play and the App Store) and instantly hail a fully autonomous ride in our service territory.
2009
2015
2017
2017
2017
2018
2019
2020
2020
The latest from our blog
Leading the way
Our leadership team comes from many backgrounds, but they share one mission: to make it safer and easier for people and things to get where they’re going. Get to know our leaders and what drives them here at Waymo.
John Krafcik
Chief Executive Officer
Resources for media
Access branding elements, images and videos, and other resources for press or educational purposes.
Visit our press page