TL;DR
I took my first ride in a Waymo driverless car in San Francisco, experiencing autonomous vehicle technology first-hand. This blog explores my thoughts on the experience and breaks down how Waymo's AI and sensor technology work.
Introduction: The Future of Transport is Here
As a technology strategist and AI enthusiast, I’ve been closely following the rise of autonomous vehicles. But nothing quite prepared me for actually sitting in a Waymo driverless car and experiencing the technology in action.
San Francisco, known for its tech innovation, is now one of the key cities where Waymo, Alphabet’s self-driving car division, operates its fleet of fully autonomous taxis. Without a driver in the front seat, I found myself relying entirely on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to get me safely to my destination.
Booking the Ride: Seamless and Simple
Using the Waymo One app, I booked my first-ever driverless ride. The app functions much like Uber or Lyft, showing real-time availability and estimated arrival times. Once my car arrived, I approached the sleek Jaguar I-PACE, adorned with Waymo’s distinctive array of sensors and cameras.
Opening the door, a friendly voice greeted me from the in-car speaker, giving me instructions to buckle up and press "Start Ride" on the screen. There was no driver—just me and the AI.
The Ride: A Surreal Experience
As the car smoothly pulled away, I felt an odd mix of excitement and apprehension. But within minutes, I was amazed at how naturally the Waymo driverless car handled traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Here’s what stood out:
Smooth Acceleration & Braking – The car maintained a human-like driving style, neither too aggressive nor too cautious.
Complex Traffic Maneuvers – It handled four-way stops, merging, and even navigated around double-parked cars with precision.
Pedestrian Awareness – The vehicle accurately predicted pedestrian movements and stopped for jaywalkers.
Zero Human Intervention – Not once did I feel the need to grab the steering wheel (which wasn’t there anyway!).
The onboard screen displayed a real-time 3D map, showing detected objects like cars, traffic lights, and cyclists—giving me insight into what the AI was "seeing."
The Tech Behind Waymo: How Does It Work?
Waymo’s driverless cars operate using a sophisticated combination of AI, machine learning, and advanced sensor technology. Let’s break it down:
1️⃣ LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)
Waymo’s 360-degree LIDAR system continuously scans its surroundings, creating a high-definition 3D map of the environment. Unlike traditional cameras, LIDAR works in all lighting conditions, including nighttime and fog.
2️⃣ Cameras & Radar Sensors
A network of high-resolution cameras detects traffic signals, lane markings, and obstacles. Radar sensors complement the system by tracking the speed and movement of nearby objects.
3️⃣ AI & Deep Learning Algorithms
Waymo’s AI processes petabytes of driving data to make real-time decisions. The deep neural networks are trained on millions of miles of real-world driving and simulated scenarios, enabling them to predict human behaviour on the road.
4️⃣ HD Mapping & GPS
Unlike standard GPS used in regular navigation apps, Waymo uses high-definition 3D maps that provide exact details of road conditions, lane placements, and infrastructure.
5️⃣ Redundant Systems for Safety
The vehicle is built with backup systems for braking, steering, and power—ensuring that even in case of a hardware failure, the car can safely stop or reroute itself.
Safety & Regulations: Is It Really That Safe?
Safety is a major concern when it comes to autonomous vehicles. Waymo has logged over 20 million miles of real-world driving and countless simulations to refine its system.
The company follows strict safety protocols, including:
Remote monitoring – Human operators oversee the fleet and can intervene if needed.
Multiple redundancies – If one sensor fails, the car still has data from others.
Predictive AI models – The system anticipates erratic driver behaviour and adjusts accordingly.
To date, Waymo has reported very few accidents, most of which were minor incidents caused by human drivers colliding with the self-driving car rather than Waymo’s fault.
The Future of Driverless Cars
After experiencing a Waymo driverless car, I truly believe autonomous vehicles will transform urban mobility in the coming decade.
Potential Benefits
✔ Reduced Accidents – Eliminating human error, which causes 94% of crashes.
✔ Traffic Efficiency – AI-driven cars can reduce congestion.
✔ Increased Accessibility – Helps elderly and disabled individuals get around.
✔ Environmental Impact – Many autonomous cars are electric, reducing emissions.
Challenges Ahead
❌ Public Trust – Many people remain sceptical about AI-driven transport.
❌ Regulations – Laws vary by region, and some places ban fully autonomous cars.
❌ Edge Cases – AI still struggles with unpredictable human behaviour.
Final Thoughts: Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely! The ride was smooth, safe, and futuristic. While there are still regulatory and trust barriers, my experience in a Waymo driverless car left me convinced that autonomous vehicles are the future.
If you’re ever in San Francisco, I highly recommend trying Waymo One—it’s not just a ride, it’s a glimpse into the future of transportation.
FAQs
How does a Waymo car detect obstacles?
Waymo uses LIDAR, radar, and high-resolution cameras to detect objects, map surroundings, and make real-time driving decisions.
Is it legal to ride in a fully driverless Waymo car?
Yes, Waymo has received regulatory approval to operate without a human driver in certain cities like San Francisco and Phoenix.
How much does a Waymo ride cost?
Pricing is similar to Uber or Lyft, but fares vary based on demand and location.
Can Waymo drive in bad weather?
Yes, but with some limitations. Heavy snow and extreme fog can reduce sensor accuracy, so Waymo may pause operations in severe conditions.
What happens if the car malfunctions?
The vehicle has backup safety systems and can pull over safely if an issue arises.
Richard Keenlyside is a Global CIO for the LoneStar Group and a previous IT Director for J Sainsbury’s PLC.
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