Waymo was created in 2016 from Google’s self-driving car project.
The project began inside Google in 2009 under engineer Sebastian Thrun and became known for developing autonomous-driving technology. In December 2016, it became a separate Alphabet subsidiary called Waymo, a name derived from the phrase “a new way of mobility.”
Waymo develops hardware and software intended to let vehicles operate without direct human control. Its work has included sensor systems, mapping, simulation, and autonomous-driving software. The company has tested and operated vehicles in several United States cities, including Phoenix and San Francisco.
Waymo is often confused with Alphabet’s other “Other Bets.” Verily focuses on life sciences, Calico researches aging and longevity, and Wing develops drone delivery systems. Waymo’s defining focus is autonomous transportation, especially self-driving vehicles and related mobility services.