Waymo builds custom chip to power next-gen robotaxi

Waymo has revealed new details about the custom silicon at the heart of its sixth-generation self-driving system. The company said this week that it built a 5nm ASIC chip specifically to process the massive influx of raw sensor data before it reaches the core autonomous-driving computer. The chip is a central part of Waymo’s effort to make its next-generation robotaxi, called the Ojai, cheaper to build and operate.

To illustrate the scale of data involved, Waymo noted that the Ojai carries 13 high-fidelity cameras. The custom chip is designed to handle that incoming stream efficiently, reducing the processing load on the main system. According to the company, this vertical integration gives it tighter control over performance and cost.

The Ojai robotaxi has just been opened to all riders in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco. Waymo has repeatedly said the vehicle is more affordable across its lifecycle, including manufacturing, day-to-day operations, and maintenance. Those economics are seen as essential if the company is to eventually turn a profit.

Until now, the extent of Waymo’s hands-on hardware development was not fully clear. The custom chip marks a significant step in the company’s strategy to internally design critical components rather than rely on off-the-shelf parts. As Waymo continues its rapid expansion into new cities and service areas, the chip will play a central role in keeping costs down while managing the growing complexity of its self-driving fleet.