Waymo to begin testing in Chicago and Charlotte | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Rebecca Bellan

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Waymo, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, announced its expansion into two new cities: Chicago and Charlotte. This move marks an important step in scaling its robotaxi operations across the U.S. Waymo will begin manual mapping and data collection in both cities to prepare for future autonomous testing and driverless services. The company typically spends months gathering detailed information about local road conditions, traffic patterns, and unique challenges before transitioning to fully autonomous operations. Chicago’s complex urban environment, including harsh winter weather and heavy traffic, presents a significant challenge for Waymo. Successfully navigating these conditions would demonstrate the robustness of its technology on a national scale. In contrast, Charlotte’s suburban layout and milder climate may make it an easier market to enter. This strategic approach reflects Waymo’s commitment to ensuring its systems can operate effectively in diverse urban settings. Waymo’s expansion into Chicago and Charlotte aligns with its broader goal of scaling autonomous vehicle services across the U.S. and internationally. The company has already launched commercial driverless operations in cities like Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando, bringing its total operational cities to 10. Additionally, Waymo is planning expansions in Denver, London, and Washington, D.C., as part of its global growth strategy. This development underscores the importance of autonomous vehicle technology in reshaping urban mobility. By testing in challenging environments like Chicago, Waymo aims to prove the scalability of its systems and build trust with regulators and the public. The company’s progress not only advances the future of transportation but also highlights the potential for AI-driven solutions to address complex urban challenges. For tech enthusiasts and industry observers, Waymo’s expansion into new cities represents a significant milestone in the evolution of autonomous vehicles. It signals confidence in the technology’s ability to adapt to varying conditions and provides insight into the company’s long-term vision for global deployment. As Waymo continues to push boundaries, its efforts will likely influence the trajectory of AI-driven mobility worldwide.

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/25/2026