Waymo Early Riders Lets Ordinary People Test Self-driving Cars
Michael Hines — April 26, 2017 — Autos
References: waymo & motorauthority
The Waymo Early Riders program is giving people in Arizona the chance to test the company's fleet of self-driving cars for free. Those living in the Phoenix metropolitan area are the only ones eligible for the program. If selected participants will be allowed to (and encouraged to) make use of the company's self-driving Chrysler Pacifica minivans and Lexus RX450h SUV. Waymo has already selected a handful of people for the program, which include couples and a family with multiple children.
The Waymo Early Riders initiative is unique in that it is bringing autonomous car beta testing to the public. Very few companies, with the exception of Uber, have done this. The reason is simple: You don't want to poison the well of public opinion with a buggy beta product. The launch of the Waymo Early Riders program could mean that the company is farther along than previously thought.
The Waymo Early Riders initiative is unique in that it is bringing autonomous car beta testing to the public. Very few companies, with the exception of Uber, have done this. The reason is simple: You don't want to poison the well of public opinion with a buggy beta product. The launch of the Waymo Early Riders program could mean that the company is farther along than previously thought.
Trend Themes
1. Public Beta Testing - Companies can allow the general public to test and provide feedback on their products, like Waymo's Early Riders program, to enhance innovation and further product development.
2. Self-driving Vehicles - The growing adoption of self-driving cars, as seen in Waymo's initiative, presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in transportation, safety, and logistics industries.
3. Consumer Perception of Autonomous Vehicles - Waymo's Early Riders program highlights the importance of shaping public opinion by providing real-life experiences, leading to disruptive innovations in the automotive industry.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - The automotive industry has an opportunity to embrace autonomous vehicle technology, ensuring developments are consumer-oriented and well-received.
2. Transportation - The transportation industry can leverage self-driving vehicles to transform traditional services and create new, innovative transportation solutions.
3. Technology - Advancements in self-driving technology through programs like Waymo's Early Riders open up new possibilities for innovation and disruption in the technology industry.
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