. Full Self-Driving Technology Comparison
| Feature | Waymo | Zoox | Tesla |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Lidar, radar, cameras | Lidar, radar, cameras | Cameras only (Vision-based) |
| Approach | HD maps + rule-based + AI | HD maps + end-to-end AI | Neural nets, no HD maps, real-time perception |
| Autonomy Level (claimed) | Level 4 (geofenced) | Level 4 (testing only) | Level 2/3 (driver must supervise) |
| On-road Maturity | Fully driverless in Phoenix, SF, LA | Testing in SF, Las Vegas | Still requires driver attention everywhere |
| Edge Cases Handling | Very cautious and rule-based | Still being validated | Fast learning via fleet data but inconsistent |
| Software Updating | Centralized and gradual | Centralized | Over-the-air to a massive fleet |
Verdict:
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Waymo leads in actual driverless FSD capability and safety.
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Tesla is more ambitious with a broader rollout and faster iteration, but less mature in true autonomy.
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Zoox has promising tech but is behind in deployment.
2. Robotaxi Readiness and Deployment
| Feature | Waymo | Zoox | Tesla |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Robotaxi | Available in Phoenix, SF, LA | Not yet launched commercially | Still in development |
| Custom Vehicle | Jaguar I-PACE, Chrysler Pacifica (retrofitted) | Purpose-built bidirectional EV | Regular Tesla vehicles with FSD |
| Passenger Use | App-based rides like Uber | Not yet available | Not available yet |
| Safety Driver? | No in many areas | Still in testing with driver | Driver must be alert always |
| Scale | Growing slowly in limited cities | Not scaled yet | Potentially huge scale, but theoretical |
Verdict:
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Waymo is the most advanced robotaxi service today.
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Zoox has impressive vehicle design but not yet on roads.
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Tesla hasn’t launched a robotaxi service—still speculative.
Overall Leaderboard
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| FSD Technology (maturity) | Waymo |
| Innovation & Scale Potential | Tesla |
| Vehicle Design for Autonomy | Zoox |
| Robotaxi Availability Today | Waymo |
| Cost Efficiency (future) | Tesla (if it works as promised) |
? Bottom Line
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Waymo is currently the most reliable and real-world deployed self-driving system and robotaxi.
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Tesla has the boldest vision but is not yet fully autonomous—its current FSD is advanced driver assistance (not truly “self-driving”).
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Zoox has futuristic hardware and promising AI but is still in testing.
If you're asking "who is better today?" — Waymo wins.
If you're asking "who might dominate in the future?" — Tesla has the edge, if it can solve full autonomy without lidar.
