Waymo's Ojai robotaxi debuts with a living-room design and advanced autonomy

Waymo is set to launch its latest self-driving vehicle, the Ojai robotaxi, for public use in the United States. The new model marks a major step forward in design and technology, offering a more spacious cabin and improved accessibility features. Initial rollouts will begin in select cities before expanding nationwide. The Ojai will first appear in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix through a free early-access programme. Later this year, it will become available to the broader public. Following these launches, Waymo plans to introduce the vehicle in Denver, Las Vegas, and San Diego over the coming months.

The Ojai is built on Zeekr’s RT platform, designed to feel like a 'living room on wheels'. Its flat-floor interior, large windows, and extra space set it apart from previous models. Accessibility has also been prioritised, with embedded braille, screen-reader compatibility, and support handles for passengers with disabilities.

Waymo’s production approach is unusual. Zeekr manufactures the base vehicle in China, while Waymo installs the autonomous driving hardware in the US. The Ojai will be the first to feature the sixth-generation Waymo Driver, which includes 13 cameras, 4 lidar units, and 6 radar sensors. This upgraded system is built to perform better in harsh weather conditions.

Waymo currently operates around 3,000 autonomous vehicles across multiple US cities. The company reports over half a million paid rides each week, highlighting its growing presence in the self-driving market. The Ojai represents Waymo’s latest push to expand its robotaxi service with improved technology and passenger comfort. Its phased rollout will begin in key cities before reaching a wider audience later in the year. The vehicle’s design and advanced driving system aim to set a new standard for autonomous transportation.