Waymo unveils sixth-generation robotaxi system to power global expansion

Waymo has unveiled its sixth-generation autonomous driving system, marking a pivotal step in the Alphabet-owned company’s plan to accelerate its robotaxi expansion across the United States and internationally. The new platform is now powering a fresh fleet of vehicles, with employees and invited guests already beginning test rides.

At the center of the rollout is Waymo’s new Ojai robotaxi, built on base vehicles supplied by Chinese automaker Geely. The sixth-generation Waymo Driver represents what the company describes as a more cost-efficient and scalable architecture, engineered to support rapid deployment while maintaining its safety benchmarks. Waymo executives say the system is foundational to their next phase of growth.

In a blog post announcing the milestone on Monday, Vice President of Engineering Satish Jeyachandran described the new system as “the primary engine for our next era of expansion,” emphasizing its streamlined configuration and lower component costs. The company’s strategic objective is clear: reduce per-vehicle expenses while preserving the layered redundancy required for fully autonomous operations.

Technologically, the sixth-generation system introduces upgraded sensor hardware, including a new 17-megapixel high-resolution imager capable of capturing millions of data points. According to Waymo, the enhanced imaging capability allows broader environmental perception with fewer cameras compared to lower-resolution setups. The platform also integrates redesigned lidar and radar sensors that are both more energy-efficient and more affordable, supporting cost discipline at scale.

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Beyond cost optimization, the system is engineered for greater environmental robustness. Waymo says the driver stack can now operate across a wider spectrum of conditions, including extreme winter weather—a crucial capability as the company eyes expansion into colder urban markets. Adaptability across vehicle platforms is another design priority, enabling deployment in multiple models without major architectural redesign.

For now, the sixth-generation driver will power the new Ojai robotaxis and Hyundai Ioniq 5 SUVs. Waymo’s existing Jaguar I-Pace fleet will continue operating on its fifth-generation system. However, the company confirmed it received its final delivery of I-Pace vehicles last year, signaling a gradual transition toward newer hardware platforms.

Scaling manufacturing capacity is central to Waymo’s 2026 roadmap. The company plans to ramp production at its Phoenix facility to tens of thousands of vehicles annually using the new driving system. Achieving that volume would significantly expand Waymo’s operational footprint and improve fleet density in existing markets

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