Self-driving technology company Waymo is set to begin testing its autonomous vehicles in Munich, Germany, in the coming weeks as it prepares to launch a commercial robotaxi service in the country by the end of 2027.
The Alphabet-owned company said its vehicles will initially operate under manual control to map Munich’s roads and gather data on local driving conditions. Trained autonomous specialists will be present behind the wheel during this phase as Waymo works to adapt its autonomous driving technology to the city’s road environment.
Waymo said the initial testing programme will help its autonomous driving system better understand and respond to Munich’s traffic patterns, road layouts and driving conditions ahead of the planned commercial rollout.
The company is also working with local, state and federal authorities to secure the regulatory approvals required to operate a commercial autonomous ride-hailing service in Germany.
As part of its expansion plans, Waymo said it intends to invest in local fleet operations and create high-skilled employment opportunities as it establishes its presence in Munich.
The move comes as autonomous ride-hailing services gain momentum across Europe. Uber, Verne and Pony.ai recently began offering autonomous rides in Zagreb, making the Croatian capital the first European city where users could book a self-driving vehicle through Uber’s app.
Waymo has also secured significant funding to support its robotaxi expansion. The company raised $16 billion earlier this year at a valuation of $126 billion, providing additional capital as it works to expand its autonomous ride-hailing operations into new markets.
With Munich set to become a key testing ground, Waymo’s planned 2027 launch could mark a major step in the company’s efforts to bring commercial robotaxis to the German market.
