We all know Uber, the platform where users can find people with vehicles who are willing to take them wherever they want in exchange for payment. Something similar to the world of taxis, but with lower pricesWell, Google could launch a new Uber with its self-driving cars.
Autonomous cars
Self-driving cars are closer to becoming a reality thanks to Google. In fact, these cars already exist, and in some regions of the United States, you can even see them driving on public roads, because Google has already begun to test these cars outside of closed circuitsOne might think that self-driving cars are something tech companies are working on simply because someone has to be the first, and doing so would mean leapfrogging their rivals, but the truth is that Google might have a more interesting goal than simply surpassing Apple. Uber could be the future rival to these Google self-driving cars.
The project was born in the Google innovation laboratory (then known as Google X) and over time was consolidated under the brand Waymo, owned by Alphabet. Its stated mission is clear: drastically reduce accidents, offer inclusive transport that provides freedom of movement, and operate with a sustainable and efficient approach in collaboration with cities and industrial partners. Previously, figures such as Sebastian thrun (Stanford AI Lab) or key members such as Chris Urmson, Mike Montemerlo and Anthony Levandowski had already driven early milestones in autonomous driving.
Uber
And it seems that, according to Steve Jurvetson, a well-known and expert investor in the world of technology, Google could launch a service very similar to Uber, but with a fundamental difference, and that is that the vehicles would be autonomousThis way, we could request a car, and one of these Google cars would automatically arrive. It's like a taxi service, or like Uber, after all. Although there are more differences.
By dispensing with the driver, such a service could operate 24/7 with shorter wait times, integrate with Google Maps for route management and optimize dynamic pricing. Compared to Uber, the advantage would be in the technological scale (sensors, HD maps and simulation) and the possibility of deploying uniform fleets with constant software updates.
It would be free
Jurvetson continues to provide more details about what this new Google service would be. Apparently, it would be called "Free Ride," which means it would be a free service. That is, we could use it without having to pay. A taxi service, but free. And this isn't the first time a service of this nature has been talked about. Jurvetson himself already spoke about this possibility in February, and the truth is that investors specializing in the world of technology are always the ones who best know the industry and the new developments that are coming. After all, there's a lot of money at stake, and knowing what companies are going to launch before they launch it is key. The fact that he can give so many details, like the name of the service itself, makes us think it's not at all surprising that he's right. And besides, Google is characterized precisely by launch free services which for other companies are paid.
If Google were to materialize Free Ride, the business model could be based on Contextual advertising, agreements with retailers, premium subscriptions, or integration with logistics services (last-mile deliveries). Waymo, for its part, has already demonstrated that it is viable to offer rides with and without a safety driver in urban areas, so scaling up to a zero-cost service in specific areas would be a plausible hypothesis as a way of promotion or pilot.
Waymo and the technology behind the wheel
The platform is supported by a set of sensors with 360 ° vision that combine LiDAR (millions of laser pulses per second), high-resolution cameras (capable of detecting colors, traffic lights and flashing lights even in low light) and radar that perceive objects in different weather conditions. All of this is combined with high-definition maps and prediction software and high computing power. upcoming Snapdragon 820 processors to achieve high levels of autonomy (level 4), where the system takes care of driving within defined operational areas.
As for the vehicle, Waymo has preferred adapt existing models in collaboration with manufacturers (e.g. Jaguar I-Pace or Chrysler Pacifica), working with integrators such as Magna Steyr for their conversion to robotaxis. It has also sealed alliances with Volvo to integrate its technology into future platforms, leaving behind its own prototypes such as the Firefly in favor of consolidated production bases that facilitate fleet maintenance.
On the corporate front, Waymo became part of the Alphabet ecosystem, adopted a shared management (Tekedra Mawakana and Dmitri Dolgov) and expanded its activity with Waymo Via for the transport of goods. At the regulatory level, pioneering states enabled legal frameworks and granted the first licenses to modified vehicles (such as the Toyota Prius), opening the door to driverless safety testing in specific areas. Over time, these permits have allowed for the expansion of urban services (including areas of Silicon Valley and connections to airports) and the extension of routes in large metropolitan areas, eventually operating one of the larger coverages of robotaxis. The project was born with references such as Stanley (Stanford robotics awarded in a Department of Defense grand challenge) and has attracted outside investment for several billions of dollars throughout its various phases. All of this reinforces the idea that Waymo's vision is not a one-off experiment, but rather an industrial commitment sustained by innovation and safety.
A problem for taxi drivers
And this forces us to remember the taxi drivers. In Spain, they managed to prevent Uber from operating. However, the truth is that one of Uber's problems was that taxi drivers in our country must acquire a license, which Uber drivers obviously didn't have. What would happen with a service like Google Free Ride? If there are no drivers, there's no need for licenses, right? And in any case, we're talking about replacing workers with autonomous cars They also work for free. In some ways, this could significantly affect a sector that is seeing how the world of technology could wipe them out. What's very clear is that these innovations will eventually arrive, whether they like it or not, and the only thing we can do is start to see what possibilities the future holds for taxi drivers. Fortunately, there are still a few years to go before we see these autonomous vehicles circulating around the country. And it will be then that we will still have to see whether Google actually decides to launch this service or not.
To minimize impacts, governments and operators should advance frameworks that guarantee security, accessibility and job integration (new functions in fleet maintenance, customer service or remote monitoring). It will also be key to accompany the transition with training and retraining of the sector and ensure that the benefits (reduction in accidents, fewer emissions and better coverage for people with reduced mobility) reach all citizens.
The convergence between Waymo's commitment to more flexible mobility safe, inclusive and sustainable And the hypothesis of a Google Free Ride service suggests a future where ordering a car is as simple as pressing a button, with minimal costs and mature technology. Whether that future comes under a free, paid, or mixed model will depend on regulation, social acceptance, and the ability to scale fleets that meet safety and service standards.
