Waymo unveiled a 5-nanometer autonomous-driving ASIC and will begin Munich testing, targeting public ride-hailing service by the end of 2027.

Waymo introduced a 5-nanometer application-specific integrated circuit designed for autonomous-driving computation. The chip processes sensor data in real time and is intended for Waymo’s fully autonomous ride-hailing platform.

The Alphabet subsidiary said it would begin testing vehicles in Munich within the following weeks. Initial vehicles will be operated manually to create high-definition maps and verify that Waymo’s autonomous-driving software can handle Munich’s specific road conditions.

During the validation phase, trained autonomous-driving specialists will sit in the driver’s seat. Waymo is targeting the launch of public ride-hailing service in Munich by the end of 2027, making Germany its planned first European Union market and third planned overseas market.

Waymo said it had contacted local, state and federal officials regarding the approvals needed to offer service in Germany. The company also said it plans to invest in local fleet operations and create skilled jobs before launching in Munich, without disclosing fleet size or investment value.