Waymo will start offering rides on freeways for its robotaxi service in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and the San Francisco Bay Area. This marks a significant move as the company aims to expand its autonomous vehicle capabilities after years of testing. Safety remains a concern, especially at higher speeds, but Waymo reports a strong safety record.

Baidu's robotaxi service, Apollo Go, has exceeded 250,000 fully driverless rides per week, matching Waymo's reported figures. The company is expanding its operations globally while maintaining a focus on safety, noting minimal incidents during its rides. Baidu has logged 17 million ride orders and plans to release quarterly results soon.

Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana announced that the company has completed 10 million paid trips, doubling its numbers in just five months. Despite being part of Alphabet's "Other Bets" unit and not yet profitable, Waymo is focusing on building a sustainable business while facing competition from Tesla's upcoming robotaxi service. Mawakana emphasized the importance of safety in their operational approach.