Waymo Robo-Taxies Test In-Car Wi-Fi
Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo unit has begun offering free wi-fi to select riders who use its robo-taxi pilot program in Chandler, Ariz., Reuters reports.
Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo unit has begun offering free wi-fi to select riders who use its robo-taxi pilot program in Chandler, Ariz., Reuters reports.
The service allows riders to connect laptop computers to the internet, stream videos and access email. Most motorists already can access the internet via their smartphones.
The company says its program adheres to the company’s general privacy policy. There are no usage restrictions.
Waymo operates more than 500 self-driving Chrysler Pacifica minivans in Chandler and the greater Phoenix area. The vehicles, which have human backup drivers, can be hailed at any time of the day. Last month, the city of Chandler began allowing staffers to expense Waymo rides for work-related trips, according to Reuters.
In recent months, Waymo also has added several other rider amenities aimed at providing a pleasant environment. This includes pre-setting cabin temperatures to 72° F, equipping all vehicles with a rear child-seat and offering commercial free streaming music—with customizable playlists—via Alphabet’s Google Play Music service.
RELATED CONTENT
-
GM Is Down with Diesels
General Motors is one company that is clearly embracing the diesel engine.
-
On Electric Pickups, Flying Taxis, and Auto Industry Transformation
Ford goes for vertical integration, DENSO and Honeywell take to the skies, how suppliers feel about their customers, how vehicle customers feel about shopping, and insights from a software exec
-
Choosing the Right Fasteners for Automotive
PennEngineering makes hundreds of different fasteners for the automotive industry with standard and custom products as well as automated assembly solutions. Discover how they’re used and how to select the right one. (Sponsored Content)