Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana on how to get self-driving taxis to the mall

Scaling Tech

Waymo's approach to scaling its self-driving technology involves continuous learning and adaptation across diverse environments. Tekedra Mawakana explains that the technology isn't static; it evolves with each new environment, such as Phoenix and San Francisco, where the company gathers feedback to refine its service 1. The focus is on understanding local challenges, like navigating complex parking lots, to enhance the user experience. Mawakana highlights the importance of these learnings:

Our goal in Phoenix was to learn. Right. You know, malls have 712 entrances. Which one do you expect to be picked up at?

--- Tekedra Mawakana

This iterative process ensures that Waymo's technology is robust and adaptable to different urban landscapes 2.

   

Reducing Errors

Waymo aims to significantly reduce human error in driving, which Tekedra Mawakana notes accounts for about 94% of accidents 3. By removing the human element, Waymo's technology promises safer journeys without the need for a driver's license. The company focuses on achieving Level 4 autonomy, where the vehicle can handle all driving tasks in specific conditions, unlike Tesla's Level 2 "full self-driving" feature, which Mawakana argues can lead to over-reliance on technology 4. She elaborates on the company's mission:

We believe that is the only way to safely deploy this technology in a way that improves road safety, which is the mission that we are built on.

--- Tekedra Mawakana

This focus on full autonomy is central to Waymo's strategy for enhancing road safety and reliability.