Waymo Tests Gemini-Powered AI Assistant in Robotaxis

Waymo is testing a Gemini-powered AI assistant in its robotaxis, according to TechCrunch AI. The findings come from analysis of a 1,200-line system prompt that reveals details about the assistant’s capabilities.

According to the report, the AI assistant can handle general knowledge questions and control certain in-cabin features. The discovery of the extensive system prompt provides insight into how Waymo is integrating Google’s Gemini large language model into its autonomous vehicle experience.

The testing represents Waymo’s effort to enhance the passenger experience in its self-driving vehicles beyond just autonomous navigation. By incorporating an AI assistant, the company appears to be exploring ways to make rides more interactive and responsive to passenger needs.

The 1,200-line system prompt suggests a sophisticated implementation designed to handle various passenger interactions while maintaining appropriate boundaries for an in-vehicle assistant. However, specific details about the testing timeline, scale, or planned rollout were not disclosed in the available information.

Waymo, owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet, has been operating commercial robotaxi services in several U.S. cities. The integration of Gemini would represent a natural synergy between two Alphabet technologies.