Waymo expects to launch robotaxi service in Munich in late 2027
Alphabet-owned Waymo plans to launch a robotaxi service in Munich. Before commercial rides can begin, the company needs to map the streets, test autonomous vehicles and obtain the necessary regulatory approvals, TechCrunch reports.
Preparation stages
At the first stage, Waymo will manually drive its vehicles on Munich’s streets to collect mapping data. The company will then test autonomous cars with safety drivers behind the wheel. Only later will those drivers be removed from the vehicles.
During the driverless testing phase, Waymo usually allows its employees, media representatives and other invited guests to take rides. The service is expected to later open in a limited format and, after receiving authorization for commercial operations, to all passengers.
Expected launch for passengers
Waymo said it is working with Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), state authorities and local officials. The company expects to open a commercial ride-hailing service to the public in late 2027.
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More than five years ago, Germany adopted legislation allowing driverless vehicles to operate on public roads. In doing so, the country became the first in the European Union to create a legal framework for Level 4 autonomous driving.
Under the Society of Automotive Engineers’ SAE classification, Level 4 means that an autonomous driving system performs all driving tasks without expecting a human to take over, but only under specified conditions or in defined environments.
Germany’s autonomous transport market
The legal framework has made Germany a testing ground for autonomous vehicles. According to the latest KBA data, companies with testing permits in the country include Mobileye and Volkswagen. Waymo currently does not have such permits.
Most companies that have received permits, including the UK’s Wayve and Israel’s Autobrains, work with Level 3 technologies. At this level, the system can perform all driving tasks under certain conditions, such as at low speeds on motorways, but the driver must be ready to take over.
