ORLANDO, Fla. – Drivers in the Orlando area may have recently spotted a bulky, white vehicle driving around with some odd gadgets equipped.
The vehicle itself may seem strange enough, but what makes it even stranger is that it has no driver.
That’s because it’s a “Waymo Driver” — a fully autonomous vehicle that’s been traveling the nation.
According to the company, the Waymo Driver has been driving millions of miles on public roads to help gather data and improve its navigational AI.
Using a complex system of sensors, the vehicle is able to create a “3D picture” of its surroundings, helping it determine whether people and other cars are nearby.
“The Waymo Driver is the embodiment of fully autonomous technology that is always in control from pickup to destination,” Waymo’s website reads. “Passengers don’t even need to know how to drive. They can sit in the back seat, relax, and enjoy the ride with the Waymo Driver getting them to their destination safely.”
Waymo announced last month that the self-driving vehicle would be making the rounds through Orlando as part of its 2025 road trip.
Orlando, get ready! 🎢 We're bringing the Waymo Driver to this hub of innovation and endless fun as part of our 2025 road trip. pic.twitter.com/pI4KHGTYxA
— Waymo (@Waymo) May 27, 2025
On Thursday, News 6’s Thomas Mates spotted the Waymo Driver in College Park.
Company officials reported last year that the Waymo Driver was testing Florida’s roadways to better handle itself during rainy weather. Around that time, the vehicle was also taken to test roadways in Miami.
While Waymo has already rolled out ride-hailing services with its self-driving vehicles in several major cities, the company has announced plans to bring these services to the streets of Miami in the future.
“Fully autonomous driving technology offers a safe and convenient option to the people of Miami. I’m so pleased to welcome Waymo to our city,” Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said. “Waymo’s commitment to sustainability with their all-electric fleet is the perfect mobility option to our city as we continue to prioritize low cost, clean energy.”
At this time, no additional details have been revealed about whether the company plans to bring its ride-hailing services to Orlando.
To learn more about the Waymo Driver or to keep up-to-date with the latest on the company, click here.
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