Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous driving subsidiary, is testing the Google Gemini AI as a passenger-friendly in-car assistant for its robotaxi fleet. This innovative feature, although not yet publicly available, aims to enhance rider experience by answering questions, managing in-cabin functions like climate control and music, while ensuring passenger reassurance. Importantly, Gemini operates independently from Waymo’s self-driving tech, as it cannot alter routes, interface with driving systems, or engage in real-world actions like ordering food. With an impressive 450,000+ weekly rides, the potential rollout of Gemini could significantly enhance Waymo’s competitive edge over rivals such as Tesla. This development reflects a broader industry trend towards integrating large language model (LLM) assistants in vehicles. As the demand for safety, compliance testing, and seamless integration grows, Waymo’s initiative positions it well for future expansion in the autonomous vehicle market.
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