Waymo is testing Google’s Gemini AI as an in-car assistant inside its robotaxis, aiming to make rides more interactive and informative for passengers. The feature, discovered through references in Waymo’s mobile app code, appears designed to answer rider questions and provide helpful context during trips rather than control the vehicle itself. This suggests Waymo is experimenting with conversational AI to improve user experience, build trust, and make autonomous rides feel less impersonal. The assistant is still in early testing and not publicly available, and Waymo has not announced when or if it will roll out widely. The move highlights how autonomous vehicle companies are increasingly layering AI assistants on top of self-driving systems to differentiate their services and enhance rider comfort.
