HomeWaymo's Tekedra Mawakana on the Commercial Reality of Autonomous Vehicles
While the promise of self-driving cars has often felt imminent, the journey to deploying autonomous vehicles on our roads has proven far more complex. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place October 27–29 at San Francisco's Moscone West, Tekedra Mawakana, Waymo's co-CEO, will take the Disrupt Stage for a comprehensive discussion on the actual state of AV technology and the industry's future direction.
A Look Inside the Self-Driving Reality Check
Beyond the headlines that focus on accidents, debates, and exaggerated claims, Mawakana has dedicated years to navigating the practical challenges of autonomous mobility. At Disrupt, she will explore the genuine requirements for scaling AV deployment—covering rider safety, public confidence, regulatory frameworks, daily operations, and the competitive landscape with players like Tesla.
This session moves past speculative timelines and impressive demonstrations. It focuses on current successes, ongoing challenges, and the real-world implications of implementing autonomous technology on a large scale. Whether you are a startup founder, an investor, or simply fascinated by the future of transportation, this is an essential discussion.
Image Credits: Waymo Meet the Leader Behind the Wheel
Tekedra Mawakana brings over twenty years of experience in developing global strategy for leading technology firms. As Waymo's co-CEO, she drives the company's mission to deploy the Waymo Driver widely and pioneer the next wave of autonomous innovation. She also holds a position on Intuit's board of directors and provides guidance to various technology and social impact initiatives.
The Future of Mobility, Live at Disrupt
Waymo's journey is a defining story in the evolution of transportation, and this session provides a unique opportunity to understand the realities behind the news. Join over 10,000 startup founders and venture capital leaders at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 to help define the next chapter of innovation. Register now to secure savings of up to $650 before ticket prices increase.
Image Credits: Kimberly White / Getty Images
Related article
AI Experts Deployed: Large Models Take Over Factories, Industrial Manufacturing Enters New Evolution
On the front lines of biological fermentation, architectural design, and even wastewater treatment, a new kind of "employee" is quietly reshaping traditional manufacturing. These aren't workers covered in sweat—they're industrial time-series control
Google Photos brings Clueless's iconic closet to life with AI
Google Photos announced a new AI-powered feature on Wednesday that will soon turn photos of your clothes into a digital closet, letting you create fresh outfit combinations and even virtually try them on. The concept clearly draws inspiration from Ch
Red Fruit Short Drama Accused of Using AI to Steal Ordinary People’s Faces; No Official Response
The short video industry is currently facing a controversy involving AI-related infringement. Red Fruit Short Drama’s production "The Peach Hairpin" has been accused of using AI to "steal faces"—taking the likenesses of ordinary people without permis
Related Special Topic Recommendations
Productivity
AI Architecture Designers: Build Scalable System Architectures Using Natural Language
Discover the 2026 best AI architecture design tools on XIX.AI. Our curated, top-rated list features powerful, game-changing solutions to build scalable system architectures using natural language. Compare free vs paid options with real-world insights. Unlock your AI edge and streamline development today.
10 tools
xix.ai
Comic Creation
AI Character Profile Creators: Generate Detailed Backstories & Visual Refs for Manga Leads
2026 Latest Best AI Character Profile Creators: Discover top-rated tools to generate detailed backstories and visual references for your manga leads. Our curated, weekly-updated list compares free vs paid options based on real-world tests. Find powerful, game-changing solutions to craft compelling characters and streamline your creative workflow. Explore the rankings on XIX.AI and unlock your perfect storytelling ally today.
10 tools
xix.ai
Health & Wellness
AI Pregnancy Copilots: Generate Safe Trimester-by-Trimester Workout & Nutrition Plans
Discover the 2026 best AI pregnancy copilots for safe, personalized trimester-by-trimester workout and nutrition plans. Get top-rated, curated recommendations with free vs paid comparisons and real-world insights. Unlock your healthiest pregnancy journey with XIX.AI's expert guide. Explore now.
10 tools
xix.ai
writing
Best Free AI Undetectable Writers: Turn Robotic Drafts into Natural, Human-Like Prose
Discover the 2026 best free undetectable AI writers at XIX.AI. Our top-rated, curated list helps you transform robotic drafts into natural, human-like prose. Compare free vs paid options with real-world tests and weekly updated rankings. Unlock your AI writing edge today.
10 tools
xix.ai
Image editing
AI Art Generators for Short-Drama Storyboards: Fantasy & Urban Romance Characters
2026 Latest: Discover the best AI art generators for short-drama storyboards. Our curated list features top-rated tools for creating compelling fantasy and urban romance characters. Compare free vs paid options, see real-world test results, and find your perfect creative partner. Get weekly updated rankings and expert insights from XIX.AI. Start visualizing your story today!
10 tools
xix.ai
writing
Best AI Scripting Tools for Radio & Podcasting: Write Engaging Audio Commercials
Discover the 2026 best AI scripting tools for radio & podcasting at XIX.AI. Our curated, top-rated list features powerful, game-changing solutions to write engaging audio commercials fast. Compare free vs paid options with real-world tests and weekly updated rankings. Unlock your creative edge today!
10 tools
xix.ai
Comments (1)
0/500
![BillyThomas]()
Siempre escucho sobre 'el futuro ya llegó' con los autos autónomos, pero luego leo artículos así y me doy cuenta de lo complicado que es realmente. 🤯 Me pregunto cuándo podré usar uno de Waymo en mi ciudad, no solo en zonas seleccionadas. La regulación y la seguridad parecen ser el verdadero cuello de botella, no la tecnología en sí.
While the promise of self-driving cars has often felt imminent, the journey to deploying autonomous vehicles on our roads has proven far more complex. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place October 27–29 at San Francisco's Moscone West, Tekedra Mawakana, Waymo's co-CEO, will take the Disrupt Stage for a comprehensive discussion on the actual state of AV technology and the industry's future direction.
A Look Inside the Self-Driving Reality Check
Beyond the headlines that focus on accidents, debates, and exaggerated claims, Mawakana has dedicated years to navigating the practical challenges of autonomous mobility. At Disrupt, she will explore the genuine requirements for scaling AV deployment—covering rider safety, public confidence, regulatory frameworks, daily operations, and the competitive landscape with players like Tesla.
This session moves past speculative timelines and impressive demonstrations. It focuses on current successes, ongoing challenges, and the real-world implications of implementing autonomous technology on a large scale. Whether you are a startup founder, an investor, or simply fascinated by the future of transportation, this is an essential discussion.
Meet the Leader Behind the Wheel
Tekedra Mawakana brings over twenty years of experience in developing global strategy for leading technology firms. As Waymo's co-CEO, she drives the company's mission to deploy the Waymo Driver widely and pioneer the next wave of autonomous innovation. She also holds a position on Intuit's board of directors and provides guidance to various technology and social impact initiatives.
The Future of Mobility, Live at Disrupt
Waymo's journey is a defining story in the evolution of transportation, and this session provides a unique opportunity to understand the realities behind the news. Join over 10,000 startup founders and venture capital leaders at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 to help define the next chapter of innovation. Register now to secure savings of up to $650 before ticket prices increase.
AI Experts Deployed: Large Models Take Over Factories, Industrial Manufacturing Enters New Evolution
On the front lines of biological fermentation, architectural design, and even wastewater treatment, a new kind of "employee" is quietly reshaping traditional manufacturing. These aren't workers covered in sweat—they're industrial time-series control
Google Photos brings Clueless's iconic closet to life with AI
Google Photos announced a new AI-powered feature on Wednesday that will soon turn photos of your clothes into a digital closet, letting you create fresh outfit combinations and even virtually try them on. The concept clearly draws inspiration from Ch
Red Fruit Short Drama Accused of Using AI to Steal Ordinary People’s Faces; No Official Response
The short video industry is currently facing a controversy involving AI-related infringement. Red Fruit Short Drama’s production "The Peach Hairpin" has been accused of using AI to "steal faces"—taking the likenesses of ordinary people without permis
Discover the 2026 best AI architecture design tools on XIX.AI. Our curated, top-rated list features powerful, game-changing solutions to build scalable system architectures using natural language. Compare free vs paid options with real-world insights. Unlock your AI edge and streamline development today.
10 tools
xix.ai
2026 Latest Best AI Character Profile Creators: Discover top-rated tools to generate detailed backstories and visual references for your manga leads. Our curated, weekly-updated list compares free vs paid options based on real-world tests. Find powerful, game-changing solutions to craft compelling characters and streamline your creative workflow. Explore the rankings on XIX.AI and unlock your perfect storytelling ally today.
10 tools
xix.ai
Discover the 2026 best AI pregnancy copilots for safe, personalized trimester-by-trimester workout and nutrition plans. Get top-rated, curated recommendations with free vs paid comparisons and real-world insights. Unlock your healthiest pregnancy journey with XIX.AI's expert guide. Explore now.
10 tools
xix.ai
Discover the 2026 best free undetectable AI writers at XIX.AI. Our top-rated, curated list helps you transform robotic drafts into natural, human-like prose. Compare free vs paid options with real-world tests and weekly updated rankings. Unlock your AI writing edge today.
10 tools
xix.ai
2026 Latest: Discover the best AI art generators for short-drama storyboards. Our curated list features top-rated tools for creating compelling fantasy and urban romance characters. Compare free vs paid options, see real-world test results, and find your perfect creative partner. Get weekly updated rankings and expert insights from XIX.AI. Start visualizing your story today!
10 tools
xix.ai
Discover the 2026 best AI scripting tools for radio & podcasting at XIX.AI. Our curated, top-rated list features powerful, game-changing solutions to write engaging audio commercials fast. Compare free vs paid options with real-world tests and weekly updated rankings. Unlock your creative edge today!
10 tools
xix.ai
Siempre escucho sobre 'el futuro ya llegó' con los autos autónomos, pero luego leo artículos así y me doy cuenta de lo complicado que es realmente. 🤯 Me pregunto cuándo podré usar uno de Waymo en mi ciudad, no solo en zonas seleccionadas. La regulación y la seguridad parecen ser el verdadero cuello de botella, no la tecnología en sí.
