Waymo Adds Voice Assistant to Ojai Robotaxi

With its new robotaxi, the Ojai, Waymo is not only preparing for a public launch but has also announced several updates. The most significant update is the integration of Google’s own generative AI, Gemini—specifically, its voice interface. With the push of a button, Gemini gives Waymo passengers access to controls for the passenger compartment, trip information, Waymo training, and useful everyday knowledge. Waymo writes:

Press the Gemini icon on the screen to personalize your ride and learn about the world around you. Feeling warm? Tell Gemini in Waymo to “turn the A/C to 65.” Want to explore the neighborhood? Ask “where is the best coffee shop nearby?” or “what’s the history of that monument?” Leveraging the power of Gemini’s live assistant, riders have more control over their ride and a wealth of knowledge just a query away.

Gemini in Waymo is a conversational AI assistant – like a helpful passenger – that operates independently from the Waymo Driver. You can issue a voice command to request a pullover, but Gemini does not otherwise control any aspect of the vehicle’s movement or routing and does not have access to real-time driving data.

The screens have also been redesigned for improved usability, and the Ojai features two of them in the back seats. This allows two passengers in the back seat to use the screens independently of one another.

This article was also published in German.