In August 2024, we organised an unforgettable study tour in collaboration with Espaces-Mobilités and ITS.be, taking a European delegation to the heart of autonomous vehicle development in San Francisco.
This immersive experience provided a firsthand look at how cutting-edge technologies like robotaxis are reshaping urban mobility. Supported by EIT Urban Mobility, the tour brought together 32 participants from a range of public, private, and academic sectors, representing countries across Europe. With key figures from Belgian regional transport authorities, professors from top universities, mobility experts from Norway and Italy, and companies working on self-driving technologies, this study trip was a collective effort to understand the rapid advancements in autonomous mobility, their potential, and their societal impact.
Immersive Experiences with Waymo Robotaxis
One of the most exciting moments of this Study Trip was testing Waymo’s robotaxi service. As a pioneer in the autonomous vehicle space, Waymo - formerly known as the Google Self-Driving Car Project - offered us a unique opportunity to experience the future of ride-hailing services without a driver.
For many of the particpants, it was a first experience in a fully autonomous car, and they were amazed at how smoothly it worked. Using Waymo’s intuitive app, we booked eight vehicles, which seamlessly arrived within minutes. We saw how important it is to manage curbside pick-ups and drop-offs - an important lesson for the future of mobility in Europe.
Waymo’s robotaxis performed exceptionally well across various conditions, from sunshine to rain and fog. And the ride itself was smooth and surprisingly relaxing. The robotaxis use sensors like cameras, radar, and lidar to see all around the car and safely navigate through traffic, pedestrians, and other obstacles. Even though it feels strange at first not having a driver, you quickly feel confident in the technology offering a glimpse of how safe, autonomous transport could be integrated into everyday life.
A Deep Dive into Self-Driving Technologies
The study trip didn’t stop at robotaxis. We visited Tesla’s Fremont factory to explore the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, which is a leading example of how semi-autonomous driving is being applied to electric vehicles. Unlike Waymo, Tesla relies on a vision-based system without lidar, providing a unique approach to autonomous technology. The factory tour, where Tesla’s electric vehicles are built from the ground up, was a fascinating look at the scale of production behind the electric and autonomous revolution.
We also visited Nuro, a company that focuses on last-mile autonomous delivery. It showed us another side of autonomous mobility. Nuro’s R2 vehicle, approved as the first fully autonomous, zero-occupant vehicle on U.S. public roads, is a game-changer for delivery services. With the ability to transport goods without human intervention, Nuro is leading the way in revolutionising logistics - a trend that could soon reach European cities.
Similarly, Pony.ai, another rising star in the robotaxi market, impressed us with its growing presence in both the U.S. and China. Their forward-thinking approach and recent move into Europe, with partnerships in Luxembourg, showed how quickly autonomous mobility is growing around the world.
The Bigger Picture: Societal Impact and Urban Planning
While the technology itself was impressive, we also focused on the broader implications of autonomous mobility. In a conference at the University of San Francisco, participants heard from regulators like the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and the California Department of Motor Vehicles, both of which are playing key roles in shaping the legal framework for autonomous vehicles. These discussions highlighted the importance of considering not just the technical aspects of autonomous mobility, but also the societal and infrastructural challenges that come with it.
These discussions with advocacy groups like the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and the Independent Living Resource Center provided a deeper understanding of how autonomous vehicles could affect different segments of society, including cyclists and people with disabilities; ensuring inclusivity and accessibility is vital as we shape the future of urban transport.
At Google Maps, participants explored the Environmental Insights Explorer (EIE), a tool designed to help cities make data-driven decisions about emissions and urban infrastructure. By utilising vast datasets, cities can better understand the environmental impact of their transportation systems and make informed decisions to promote sustainability.
What This Means for Europe
The San Francisco study tour was eye-opening. It showed us how far the U.S. has come with autonomous mobility, but it also highlighted the importance of Europe developing its own approach. As we return home, it’s clear that Europe has the opportunity to define its own vision - one that prioritises inclusivity, sustainability, and accessibility.
As we returned with a wealth of knowledge, one thing became clear:
The future of mobility is not just about technology—it’s about how we integrate these advancements into our urban environments and ensure they benefit all members of society.
The insights gained from companies like Waymo, Tesla, Nuro, and Pony.ai, along with discussions with regulators, city planners, and advocacy groups, will be extremely helpful for European cities as they start to use these technologies.
For anyone interested in the future of transportation, we offer incredible learning opportunities through trips and training courses. Discover how you can be part of the movement that’s driving the future of mobility across Europe and beyond. Explore more on our website and check out our Youtube videos HERE for a closer look at how we are reflecting on and taking action for the future of transport.
Stay tuned for more opportunities to learn, collaborate, and innovate in the world of urban mobility!
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