How Waymo Copes with Severe Winter Weather

Waymo explains how its autonomous driving system handles winter weather: the Waymo Driver can detect real-time changes in grip at each wheel and adjust steering, braking, and acceleration accordingly; the company also uses simulation testing to reproduce urban street scenarios such as black ice and whiteout conditions, and the vehicles are equipped with heaters and tiny wipers to keep sensors clean. Waymo says it will slow down, limit service, or suspend operations depending on weather conditions, and recommends that users check service availability in their city through the Waymo App.