Waymo is set to expand its operations to Toronto, facing the challenge of navigating snow-covered roads. The company announced its intention to commence testing in Canada’s largest city with human drivers on board, focusing on mapping and safety validation work. Waymo aims for autonomous taxi services to be available for riders in Toronto by 2028.
To ensure the technology can adapt to Toronto’s unique driving conditions, tests will be conducted round the clock, every day of the week. According to experts, the primary challenge for Waymo will be dealing with the winter conditions in Toronto, unlike the warmer cities where the company has previously operated.
Adverse weather, such as snow, poses a significant hurdle for autonomous vehicles, affecting the functionality of cameras, radar, and lidar systems crucial for navigation. Waymo has been accumulating driving data in snowy regions like upstate New York and Michigan to enhance its system’s capabilities in inclement weather.
Despite the progress, more data on winter driving is required. Waymo is utilizing advanced methods to improve its winter driving capabilities, including deploying vehicles equipped with heaters and mini windshield wipers. The company also operates its cars as “mobile weather stations” to gather real-time weather data.
While Waymo has not yet validated its driverless system for snowy conditions, it plans to launch its ride-hailing service in Toronto by 2028, giving the company ample time to address winter-related challenges. Experts suggest a phased approach, gradually increasing autonomous operations in poor weather conditions as the system advances.
