Stepping into a driverless car for the first time feels like entering a scene from a sci-fi movie. On a recent trip to San Francisco, I had the chance to ride in a Waymo robotaxi, a fully autonomous vehicle powered by cutting-edge AI. The experience was both exhilarating and thought-provoking, raising questions about the future of transportation, the safety of autonomous vehicles, and their potential to transform chaotic road systems like those in India. In this article, I share my firsthand experience, dive into the technology behind Waymo, and explore the challenges and opportunities for bringing driverless cars to Indian streets.
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My Waymo Robotaxi Experience
After a hectic day of meetings in San Francisco, I was ready to unwind with colleagues at a cozy Italian restaurant. Instead of hailing a traditional taxi, we booked a Waymo robotaxi through the Waymo One app, a sleek interface similar to Uber. As we waited by the curb, a white Jaguar I-Pace pulled up, its roof adorned with a distinctive dome of sensors and cameras. The absence of a driver behind the wheel sent a wave of excitement and slight unease through me—this was no ordinary ride.
Unlocking the car via the app, we settled into the spacious interior, greeted by a touchscreen displaying safety instructions and route details. The car’s voice system welcomed us, reminding us to buckle up and select our music preferences. As we set off from the Intercontinental Hotel toward Florella Noe, the 15-minute journey through San Francisco’s bustling streets felt surreal. The Waymo navigated traffic with remarkable precision, pausing at intersections, yielding to pedestrians, and merging seamlessly into the flow of vehicles.
What struck me most was the car’s patience and caution. Unlike some human drivers who might rush through yellow lights or weave aggressively, the Waymo adhered strictly to traffic rules, signaling clearly and making smooth, deliberate turns. It even slowed down for cyclists and jaywalkers, demonstrating a level of awareness that felt almost superhuman. By the time we arrived at the restaurant, I was convinced: this AI-driven vehicle was smarter than many drivers I’ve encountered.
Riding in a Waymo robotaxi felt like stepping into the future, with AI navigating San Francisco’s streets with a precision that rivaled human drivers.
How Waymo’s AI Technology Works
Waymo’s robotaxis are a marvel of artificial intelligence, powered by a sophisticated combination of sensors, machine learning, and real-time data processing. The vehicles, built on Jaguar I-Pace electric crossovers, are equipped with lidar (light detection and ranging) units, radar, and high-resolution cameras mounted on a rooftop dome. These sensors create a 360-degree view of the environment, detecting objects up to 300 meters away, even in low-light conditions.
The AI system processes this sensory data to build a detailed 3D map of the surroundings, identifying vehicles, pedestrians, traffic signals, and road signs. Machine learning algorithms, trained on billions of miles of simulated and real-world driving data, enable the car to predict the behavior of other road users and make split-second decisions. For example, the Waymo I rode in paused patiently when a pedestrian hesitated at a crosswalk, only proceeding once the path was clear.
The Waymo One app enhances the user experience, allowing passengers to book rides, view routes, and adjust settings like music or air conditioning. Inside the car, a touchscreen provides real-time updates on the route and displays visualizations of the AI’s perception, showing how it “sees” nearby objects. This transparency builds trust, reassuring passengers that the vehicle is in control.
“Waymo’s AI is like a hyper-aware driver, processing data from sensors and cameras to navigate with unmatched precision and safety.”
Safety and Assertiveness in Autonomous Driving
While my Waymo ride was flawless, the safety of autonomous vehicles remains a hot topic. Waymo has driven over 20 million autonomous miles since 2009, with a safety record that surpasses human drivers in many metrics. However, the company has reported around 700 crashes since 2021, including minor incidents and those caused by human drivers or external factors. Notably, some crashes involved sensor failures or collisions with animals, highlighting the challenges of edge cases in autonomous driving.
Recent studies suggest Waymo vehicles are evolving to mimic human-like behavior, such as inching forward at crosswalks to signal intent. Researchers like William Riggs from the University of San Francisco have observed this assertiveness, noting that it makes robotaxis more predictable in traffic. Waymo’s product director, David Margines, confirmed that engineers are tweaking the AI to reduce hesitancy, aiming to balance safety with efficiency.
However, this shift toward assertiveness raises concerns. Critics worry that overly aggressive behavior could compromise safety, especially in unpredictable scenarios where human judgment often prevails. Waymo counters that its vehicles remain rule-abiding, prioritizing safety while adapting to real-world driving norms. The company’s rigorous testing and continuous algorithm updates aim to address these concerns, but the debate underscores the complexity of perfecting autonomous driving.
Waymo’s AI is becoming more assertive, but balancing safety and efficiency remains a critical challenge for autonomous vehicles.
Challenges for Driverless Cars in India
As thrilling as my Waymo experience was, the prospect of driverless cars on Indian roads seems distant due to unique challenges. India’s road network is a vibrant, chaotic tapestry of vehicles, pedestrians, livestock, and vendors, often lacking clear lane markings or consistent traffic signals. Unlike San Francisco’s disciplined traffic, Indian roads feature erratic driving, frequent overtaking, and mixed traffic, including rickshaws, bicycles, and stray animals.
Autonomous vehicles rely heavily on high-definition 3D maps, standardized signage, and reliable connectivity for real-time updates. In India, constant construction, unmarked roads, and patchy network coverage pose significant hurdles. AI algorithms, typically trained on Western driving patterns, may struggle to interpret the unpredictable behavior of Indian road users, from speeding motorbikes to pedestrians crossing mid-traffic.
Regulatory barriers also loom large. As of June 2025, India lacks a comprehensive framework for autonomous vehicles, with safety standards and liability issues still undefined. The economic impact is another concern: millions of drivers, from taxi operators to truckers, could face job displacement, potentially sparking social resistance. These factors suggest that large-scale deployment of robotaxis in India is years, if not decades, away.
“India’s chaotic roads and regulatory gaps pose formidable challenges for autonomous vehicles, requiring tailored AI solutions and robust policies.”
Opportunities for Autonomous Vehicles in India
Despite these challenges, the potential for autonomous vehicles in India is immense. With urban congestion costing cities billions annually, driverless cars could optimize traffic flow, reduce accidents caused by human error, and lower emissions through electric fleets like Waymo’s. In cities like Mumbai or Delhi, where commuters spend hours in traffic, robotaxis could free up time for work or relaxation, transforming daily life.
Indian companies are already exploring autonomous technology. Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra are investing in AI-driven solutions, while startups like Ola Electric are experimenting with smart mobility. Partnerships with global players like Waymo could accelerate progress, adapting AI algorithms to India’s unique road conditions. Pilot projects in controlled environments, such as smart cities or industrial zones, could serve as testing grounds for driverless cars.
Government support will be crucial. Initiatives like the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan and Smart Cities Mission could pave the way for autonomous vehicle infrastructure, including 5G networks and standardized signage. Public awareness campaigns could also ease concerns about job displacement, emphasizing new opportunities in AI development, vehicle maintenance, and fleet management.
Driverless cars could revolutionize India’s urban mobility, but success hinges on innovation, infrastructure, and inclusive policies.
The Future of Autonomous Driving
My Waymo ride in San Francisco offered a glimpse into the future of transportation, where AI-driven vehicles promise safer, more efficient journeys. Waymo’s success in cities like San Francisco and Phoenix, where it operates thousands of rides weekly, demonstrates the viability of autonomous technology. As AI continues to evolve, robotaxis could become commonplace in urban centers worldwide, reshaping how we move and interact with cities.
For India, the path to autonomous driving is complex but not insurmountable. Tailored AI solutions, robust infrastructure, and clear regulations could unlock the potential of driverless cars, addressing urban challenges while creating economic opportunities. Global collaboration, combining Waymo’s expertise with Indian innovation, could accelerate this transition.
However, the future of autonomous driving is not just about technology—it’s about balancing progress with responsibility. Ensuring safety, addressing job displacement, and maintaining public trust will be critical. My Waymo ride left me optimistic about AI’s potential to transform transportation, but it also reminded me that human oversight and ethical considerations must guide this journey. As we steer toward a driverless future, the road ahead is full of possibilities, waiting to be explored.
“The future of transportation is driverless, but its success depends on technology that prioritizes safety, equity, and human values.”
