TechCrunch Mobility: The custom chip driving Waymo’s robotaxi ambitions
Waymo has developed a custom 5 nm ASIC chip to enhance the processing power of its sixth-generation robotaxi system. This vertical integration aims to improve safety and efficiency in complex urban environments while reducing overall costs.
Why it matters
Custom silicon development is becoming a critical differentiator for autonomous vehicle companies seeking to scale operations profitably.
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Waymo gets a lot of attention for its fast-paced expansion. And for good reason; it seems like every week, the company’s robotaxis are arriving in a new city, or expanding within an existing service area.
We’ve known for a while that Waymo’s sixth-generation self-driving system — which debuted in its next-generation Ojai robotaxi — is central to those ambitions. But now we have a better understanding about why.
The company, which just opened its Ojai robotaxi to all riders in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco, has repeatedly said that this next-gen vehicle is cheaper to build, operate, and maintain — ingredients required if the company has any hopes of someday turning a profit.
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