Waymo Set to Launch Fully Driverless Cars in Four New Cities
WHO:
CNET - Waymo is the company expanding its services.
Engadget - Waymo will operate fully autonomous vehicles.
WHAT:
Fast Company - A Waymo vehicle reported two California teenagers to police after detecting suspicious behavior during their ride.
CNET - Waymo plans to launch fully driverless cars in four new major cities.
Engadget - Waymo will eliminate human supervisors in its operations.
WHERE:
Fast Company - The incident occurred in San Mateo, California.
CNET - The four cities are San Diego, Las Vegas, Tampa, and Denver.
Engadget - The same four cities are mentioned as locations for the new service.
WHEN:
CNET - The launch of the driverless cars is planned for this year.
WHY:
Fast Company - The teenagers were allegedly drinking alcohol and shooting Orbeez from toy guns out of the vehicle, prompting Waymo to park and lock the passengers inside until police arrived.
CNET - The initial rollout will offer rides to employees before expanding to the public.
HOW:
Fast Company - Waymo used interior cameras and microphones in its robotaxis to monitor passenger behavior, which it refers to as “the ‘eyes and ears’ of our Waymo Driver.”
Engadget - Waymo will operate without human supervisors in the new cities.
(UPDATED July 9, 2026 01:30 UTC)
A Waymo vehicle in San Mateo, California, reported two teenagers to the police after detecting suspicious behavior during their ride. The teenagers were allegedly drinking alcohol and shooting Orbeez from toy guns, which led Waymo to park and lock the passengers inside until authorities arrived. Waymo utilizes interior cameras and microphones in its robotaxis to monitor passenger behavior, describing them as the “eyes and ears” of their Waymo Driver.
--
(UPDATED July 9, 2026 00:23 UTC)
Waymo is set to expand its services by launching fully autonomous vehicles in four major cities: San Diego, Las Vegas, Tampa, and Denver. The company plans to eliminate human supervisors in these operations, initially offering rides to employees before making the service available to the public later this year. This significant move marks a new chapter in driverless technology as Waymo aims to operate entirely without human oversight.