Waymo is putting Google’s Gemini AI assistant inside its robotaxis for the first time, alongside a redesigned interface. Both features debut on the company’s purpose-built Ojai vehicle, which was designed from the outset to autonomously ferry passengers.
The Gemini assistant runs completely separately from the Waymo Driver – the AI that actually drives the vehicle. Waymo states Gemini “does not otherwise control any aspect of the vehicle’s movement or routing and does not have access to real-time driving data.” The assistant remains inactive until the rider explicitly engages it.
Riders can use voice commands to adjust the Ojai’s climate control, ask for information about local landmarks, or request to pull over. Gemini can answer questions such as “where is the best coffee shop nearby?” and “what’s the history of that monument?” It can also assist with language learning.
The Ojai robotaxi features three screens that each show different information based on which seats are occupied, creating what Waymo calls a “choreographed tri-screen experience.” For example, a single rider in the right rear seat sees full controls on their screen, while the other screens display simplified trip status or ambient media. A new Calm Mode dims the screen to minimal trip information for riders who want less distraction.
Waymo calls the redesigned interface its “first major design update in years.”
Waymo introduced Gemini and the redesigned interface ahead of public availability.