Detroit Welcomes Waymo's Snow-Savvy Self-Driving Cars

Waymo, the pioneering self-driving tech company, is making a significant move by bringing its autonomous vehicles to Detroit. This marks a historic moment as Detroit becomes the first city in the Midwest to host Waymo's self-driving cars. Since 2016, Waymo has been active in Michigan, but this is the first time the public will have access to their rides.

Designed for Snowy Conditions

Waymo's cars are engineered to tackle snowy weather, featuring advanced sensors that maintain visibility in harsh conditions. These sensors are equipped with self-cleaning mechanisms to prevent snow and ice from obstructing their view. To ensure reliability, Waymo has rigorously tested these vehicles in snowy regions like Upstate New York and Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Cutting-Edge Sensor Technology

The autonomous vehicles rely on a sophisticated combination of cameras, radar, and lidar to navigate their surroundings. Each car is outfitted with:

• 13 cameras
• 4 lidar sensors
• 6 radar sensors

This powerful array provides a 360-degree view with a range of up to 500 meters. Additionally, the cars are equipped with heaters and wipers to keep sensors clear of debris.

Expanding Beyond Warmer Climates

While Waymo has previously operated in warmer cities like San Francisco and Phoenix, this expansion into Detroit represents a bold step into more challenging weather conditions. The company has already logged thousands of miles in snowy environments to prepare for this launch.

Collaboration with Local Authorities

Waymo is collaborating with local officials to establish its services in Detroit. This includes setting up operations centers for charging, maintenance, and cleaning. Additionally, Waymo is expanding to San Diego and Las Vegas, but for now, Detroit stands as the first Midwest city to welcome Waymo's self-driving cars.