Waymo Uses Robotaxis to Detect Potholes and Share Data with Cities via Waze
Key Takeaways
- Waymo and Waze launched a pothole data-sharing pilot across Waymo-operating cities.
- Robotaxis detect potholes and transmit locations to Waze for city-facing maps.
- The program helps cities fix potholes using real-time data from Waymo cars.
Waymo-Waze Pothole Pilot
Waymo and Waze launched a data-sharing pilot using robotaxis to detect potholes and share data with cities.
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The pilot covers five initial markets where Waymo says it has flagged about 500 potholes.
Anyone with the Waze app can access the data and help verify locations.
Waymo's vehicles are equipped with cameras, lidar, radar, and other sensors that continuously scan roads.
The initiative aims to help cities close reporting gaps and prioritize maintenance.
Arielle Fleisher said, We realized, hey, once we’re at scale, we can actually share this data with cities.
Technology and Validation
Waymo uses cameras, radar, accelerometers, and physical feedback to log potholes.
Sensors detect physical changes to the road’s surface such as tilt and movement.
The same data surfaces in the consumer Waze app for crowdsourced validation.
Fleisher said, It’s totally automated. It’s from our systems.
The pilot is purely additive and not meant to replace any city functions.
Waymo aims to strengthen relationships with city stakeholders.
Public and Government Reception
The pilot has found favor with local governments.
“Two Alphabet-owned businesses are teaming up to find potholes and share it with cities”
San Jose Mayor Mahan said, We’re always looking for innovative ways to deliver better services.
The data provides a more nuanced picture of road health than 311 calls.
Filling potholes remains the job of public works crews.
The initiative has strategic value for Waymo’s license-to-operate.
Sarah Kaufman said, Waymo is showing the good neighbor principle in action.
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