FRANKFURT (Reuters) – Waymo is exploring deploying its self-driving technology in the trucking industry, CEO John Krafcik said on Thursday, as it works with industry partners to seize a commercial opportunity from a looming shortage of human drivers.
Waymo, backed by Alphabet Inc’s (GOOGL.O) Google, has so far focused on so-called robotaxis but, in remarks prepared for a speech to the Frankfurt motor show, Krafcik said the self-driving technology, Waymo Driver, was also suited to steering road freight.
“Ride-hailing is an important application of our Driver,” Krafcik told political and industry leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, at the event’s official opening.
“Our technology can also make trucking safer and stronger, and fill a pressing need for more drivers in many parts of the world.
“We’ve already conducted road tests of the Waymo Driver in Class 8 trucks across the U.S., and we’re working closely with the ecosystem — shippers, truck makers,…
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