Cruise plans to roll out robotaxi service in Seattle and Washington, DC

Cruise, a subsidiary of General Motors, has announced plans to launch commercial robotaxi services in Washington, D.C. and Seattle, Wash.

Here's What We Know

Cruise has already started collecting data in Seattle and Washington, D.C., using hand-driven robotaxis to get information on traffic conditions and climate. The next step will be mapping new cities.

Seattle is the northernmost city where Cruise intends to provide. Most autonomous car developers prefer to test in the Sun Belt or in cities with mild weather. Rain, snow or fog can affect the ability of the cars' sensors to accurately perceive their surroundings and make safe driving decisions.

Cruise has not confirmed whether it has applied for permits to test unmanned vehicles in Seattle and Washington, D.C.

Flashback

Cruise is also testing or launching robotaxis in 13 other U.S. cities and abroad. These include Dubai (UAE), Los Angeles (California, USA), Austin (Texas, USA) and Charlotte (North Carolina, USA).

The company intends to roll out its specially designed Cruise Origin vehicles in the coming years.

Source: TechCrunch