Before our cars drive in any location, our team builds our own detailed three-dimensional maps that highlight information such as road profiles, curbs and sidewalks, lane markers, crosswalks, traffic lights, stop signs, and other road features. Rather than rely on GPS, Waymo’s vehicles cross-reference their pre-built maps with real-time sensor data to precisely determine their location on the road.
Our sensors and software scan constantly for objects around the vehicle, pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, road work, obstructions, and continuously read traffic controls, from traffic light color and railroad crossing gates to temporary stop signs. Our vehicles can see up to 300 meters away (nearly three football fields) in every direction.
For every dynamic object on the road, our software predicts future movements based on current speed and trajectory. It understands that a vehicle will move differently than a cyclist or pedestrian. The software then uses that information to predict the many possible paths that other road users may take. Our software also takes into account how changing road conditions (such as a blocked lane up ahead) may impact the behavior of others around it.
The software considers all of this information as it finds an appropriate route for the vehicle to take. Our software selects the exact trajectory, speed, lane, and steering maneuvers needed to progress along this route safely. Because our vehicles are constantly monitoring the environment, and predicting the future behavior of other road users in 360 degrees around our vehicles, they’re able to respond quickly and safely to any changes on the road. - Waymo's Safety Report
Our sensors and software scan constantly for objects around the vehicle, pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, road work, obstructions, and continuously read traffic controls, from traffic light color and railroad crossing gates to temporary stop signs. Our vehicles can see up to 300 meters away (nearly three football fields) in every direction.
For every dynamic object on the road, our software predicts future movements based on current speed and trajectory. It understands that a vehicle will move differently than a cyclist or pedestrian. The software then uses that information to predict the many possible paths that other road users may take. Our software also takes into account how changing road conditions (such as a blocked lane up ahead) may impact the behavior of others around it.
The software considers all of this information as it finds an appropriate route for the vehicle to take. Our software selects the exact trajectory, speed, lane, and steering maneuvers needed to progress along this route safely. Because our vehicles are constantly monitoring the environment, and predicting the future behavior of other road users in 360 degrees around our vehicles, they’re able to respond quickly and safely to any changes on the road. - Waymo's Safety Report