Problems for Waymo and Uber

May 14, 2026, 12:00
ChinaTechnology

Introduction

Uber and Waymo work together, but they have problems now. They disagree about how to use driverless cars.

Main Body

Uber and Waymo have different plans. Uber wants to use both human drivers and robot cars. Waymo only uses robot cars. Uber says Waymo does not help poor people in some cities. Waymo has technical problems. One car drove into water in San Antonio. Waymo had to fix the software in many cars. Also, taxi drivers in New York City do not want robot cars in their city. The US government is worried about security. Waymo works with a company from China. The government thinks this is dangerous. Waymo says its main technology is made in the USA.

Conclusion

Waymo is growing, but it has many problems with safety, Uber, and the government.

Learning

πŸ’‘ The 'Action' Word List

Look at how we describe what these companies do and have. To reach A2, you need to connect a person/thing to an action.

The Pattern: [Who] β†’ [Action] β†’ [What]

  • Uber β†’\rightarrow wants β†’\rightarrow robot cars.
  • Waymo β†’\rightarrow uses β†’\rightarrow robot cars.
  • Government β†’\rightarrow thinks β†’\rightarrow this is dangerous.

⚠️ Spotting 'Opposites'

In this text, we see two different ways of working. Use these words to show a contrast:

  1. Both (Uber uses human drivers and robot cars) β†’\rightarrow Two things together.
  2. Only (Waymo only uses robot cars) β†’\rightarrow One thing, nothing else.

πŸ› οΈ Simple Word Fixes

When something is broken, we use Fix.

  • Problem: Car in water β†’\rightarrow Action: Fix the software.

Quick Vocabulary Tip:

  • Dangerous = Not safe.
  • Worried = Thinking about a problem.

Vocabulary Learning

disagree (v.)
to have a different opinion
Example:They disagree about how to use driverless cars.
different (adj.)
not the same
Example:Uber and Waymo have different plans.
plans (n.)
a set of intended actions
Example:Uber wants to use both human drivers and robot cars.
human (adj.)
relating to people
Example:Uber wants to use both human drivers and robot cars.
robot (adj.)
controlled by a computer, not a human
Example:Waymo only uses robot cars.
poor (adj.)
having little money or resources
Example:Uber says Waymo does not help poor people.
technical (adj.)
related to technology or skill
Example:Waymo has technical problems.
software (n.)
computer programs that run on a computer
Example:Waymo had to fix the software in many cars.
security (n.)
the state of being safe from danger
Example:The US government is worried about security.
dangerous (adj.)
likely to cause harm or injury
Example:The government thinks this is dangerous.