Waymo Slims Sensors to Drive Down Robotaxi Costs

Waymo’s 6th-gen driver uses 42% fewer sensors to cut costs without compromising safety

20 Feb 2026

Waymo has introduced the sixth generation of its self-driving system in selected US cities where it operates fully driverless ride-hailing services, as the Alphabet-owned company seeks to improve the economics of commercial deployment.

The updated “Waymo Driver” reduces the number of onboard sensors by about 42 per cent compared with the previous generation. The company said the new design maintains a layered sensing approach, combining LiDAR, cameras and radar, but with fewer individual units and greater performance from each component.

Rather than removing entire categories of sensors, Waymo has consolidated functions, extended detection range and improved processing efficiency. The aim is to lower hardware complexity, energy use and long-term maintenance costs while preserving safety.

Cost per mile remains a central measure for autonomous vehicle operators. High hardware expenses and upkeep have weighed on efforts to scale beyond pilot projects. By trimming the sensor suite, Waymo is seeking to narrow the gap between technical capability and a sustainable operating model.

LiDAR, which uses laser pulses to generate detailed three-dimensional maps, continues to form the backbone of the system. Cameras and radar provide additional data to verify objects and movement in real time. Waymo says improvements in how these systems work together allow the vehicle to maintain or improve performance with fewer devices.

Executives have described the sixth-generation platform as designed for scale, with a focus on efficiency alongside safety outcomes. Industry analysts say that reducing component count without weakening redundancy could materially improve fleet economics, particularly in dense urban areas where vehicles log high annual mileage.

The update comes as autonomous vehicle developers debate hardware strategy. Some favour extensive sensor arrays to maximise redundancy, while others argue that streamlined systems are essential for cost control.

Challenges remain, including durability over extended use, maintenance demands and regulatory scrutiny as driverless services expand. Waymo’s latest iteration suggests that the next stage of autonomous mobility may hinge less on technical demonstration and more on disciplined cost management.