Waymo has introduced its 6th-generation autonomous driving hardware, marking a significant advancement from its previous 5th-generation system. This new system integrates 13 cameras, four lidars, six radars, and external audio receivers, providing a comprehensive 360-degree view of the vehicle with enhanced resolution, range, and compute power. The redesigned sensor suite delivers improved performance at a reduced cost, ensuring safety across various weather conditions and driving environments. Redundancy remains a key feature, with a blend of camera, radar, and lidar technologies ensuring reliability and adaptability.
The 6th-generation system benefits from extensive real-world testing and simulation, accumulating thousands of miles of driving experience. This iterative process leverages insights from previous generations to enhance system performance and reduce validation time. Waymo’s approach includes optimizing sensor placement and functionality for different operating environments, such as extreme temperatures. As the new technology undergoes rigorous testing and validation, Waymo is preparing for broader deployment, with the Waymo Driver already visible on public roads and available through the Waymo One app.
