Waymo vs Tesla Robotaxi: a tale of two different approaches
Despite the Tesla hype, still Waymo is the clear leader for long
As autonomous vehicles inch closer to mainstream reality, two industry giants are taking radically different paths toward the same goal. Waymo, with its methodical, sensor-heavy approach, and Tesla, with its ambitious camera-only vision, represent contrasting philosophies in the race to dominate the robotaxi market. Let's dive into how these companies stack up against each other.
The Experience Factor
Waymo has been in the autonomous driving game since 2009, starting as Google's self-driving car project. Their patience and methodical approach has paid off - they're currently offering fully driverless rides to paying customers in multiple cities, handling over 100,000 rides weekly in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
Tesla, despite years of promises, is still working to deliver its first truly driverless ride. Their recently unveiled "Cybercab" represents their latest push into the robotaxi market, though it won't be operational until "the end of 2027" according to Elon Musk's timeline.
Technical approaches: More vs Less
Sensors and Hardware
Waymo: Employs a comprehensive sensor suite including:
360-degree lidar
Three perimeter lidars
Three radars
Multiple video cameras
Automatic sensor cleaning systems
Range capability up to 1,600 feet for cameras
Tesla: Takes a minimalist approach with:
Video cameras only
No lidar or radar
AI-powered vision processing
No mentioned sensor cleaning system
Mapping and navigation
Waymo: Creates detailed HD maps before deployment
Pre-maps all operational areas
Updates maps in real-time as environment changes
Can operate even with GPS signal loss
Maintains precise positioning through multiple systems
Tesla: Claims to operate without pre-mapping
Relies on real-time vision processing
Uses basic navigation maps
Processes environmental data on the fly
Safety systems
Waymo has built multiple layers of safety systems:
Secondary onboard computer
Backup collision detection
Secondary steering systems
Backup power systems
Redundant positioning systems
Remote human monitoring
Tesla hasn't detailed its redundancy systems for the Cybercab, which raises some concerns about safety protocols.
Real-world performance
Despite its numerous accidents, we can blame Waymo’s main accidents to human error. Moreover, Waymo has proven its capability with:
Four years of driverless operation
100,000+ weekly rides
Minimal serious incidents
Successful operation in multiple cities
Tesla's current FSD (Full Self-Driving) system:
One independent evaluation of Tesla’s latest Full Self Driving software, version 12.5, found that it required a human intervention once every 13 miles
Has faced regulatory scrutiny
Still needs driver supervision
Has yet to demonstrate fully autonomous operation
The cost factor
Tesla's approach potentially offers cost advantages:
Simpler hardware setup
Lower per-vehicle cost
Easier manufacturing integration
Potential for faster scaling
Waymo's system involves higher costs:
Expensive sensor suite
Complex hardware integration
Higher per-vehicle cost
More elaborate infrastructure needs
Looking ahead
Both companies face distinct challenges:
Waymo's Challenges:
Scaling manufacturing
Reducing vehicle costs
Expanding to new cities
Managing infrastructure needs
Tesla's Challenges:
Proving camera-only viability
Achieving true autonomy
Building safety credibility
Meeting ambitious timelines
The bottom line
While Tesla's vision of camera-only autonomous driving is ambitious and potentially more scalable, Waymo's more conservative approach has already produced real results. Waymo is currently operating a genuine robotaxi service, while Tesla is still working to deliver on its promises.
The coming years will be crucial in determining which approach proves more successful. Will Tesla's simplified hardware and massive data collection strategy eventually leapfrog Waymo's more traditional approach? Or will Waymo's methodical, safety-first philosophy maintain its lead in the autonomous driving race?
For now, Waymo holds the clear lead in actual deployment, while Tesla's promises remain largely theoretical despite all the claims from Elon Musk. But in the rapidly evolving world of autonomous vehicles, today's leader isn't guaranteed tomorrow's victory.