What is Waymo's Reference Driver model?

It is a computer model developed by Waymo in collaboration with TU Delft to evaluate autonomous taxi behavior compared to human drivers. Based on active inference theory, it accurately replicates driver actions in critical situations.

Why did Waymo create a new model for evaluating autonomous taxis?

The new model provides a more accurate analysis of autonomous system behavior in accident scenarios. It compares robotaxi actions with human reactions, including pre-collision stages, which is crucial for enhancing safety and public trust in the technology.

What are the advantages of the Reference Driver model?

The model enables faster and more efficient testing of thousands of scenarios in a virtual environment, identifying improvements in autonomous systems. It also simulates a wide range of road user behaviors, not just reactions in the final seconds before an accident.

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Artificial intelligence

Waymo Unveils New Model to Evaluate Autonomous Taxis Against Human Drivers

June 10, 2026

Photo: TechCrunch

Quick answer

Waymo has developed the Reference Driver model to precisely compare autonomous taxi behavior with human drivers.

Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, has announced the development of an advanced computer model to evaluate the behavior of its autonomous taxis compared to human drivers. The model, created in collaboration with Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), is based on the theory of active inference—an approach that assumes drivers continuously predict possible scenarios and choose the safest actions.

The new model, named Reference Driver, aims to replace previous solutions that primarily focused on replicating human reactions in the final seconds before an accident. Unlike those, Reference Driver can simulate driver behavior throughout the entire development of a critical situation, including stages preceding a collision. This allows for a more accurate assessment of autonomous system performance and the identification of potential improvements.

Waymo emphasizes that the model can be used to analyze thousands of scenarios in a virtual environment, accelerating the testing process and enhancing its accuracy. The company has also made the model’s source code available for academic and educational purposes, inviting researchers to collaborate on further technological advancements. This initiative is particularly relevant as Waymo expands its service and faces increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies.

Common questions

What is Waymo's Reference Driver model?: It is a computer model developed by Waymo in collaboration with TU Delft to evaluate autonomous taxi behavior compared to human drivers. Based on active inference theory, it accurately replicates driver actions in critical situations.
Why did Waymo create a new model for evaluating autonomous taxis?: The new model provides a more accurate analysis of autonomous system behavior in accident scenarios. It compares robotaxi actions with human reactions, including pre-collision stages, which is crucial for enhancing safety and public trust in the technology.
What are the advantages of the Reference Driver model?: The model enables faster and more efficient testing of thousands of scenarios in a virtual environment, identifying improvements in autonomous systems. It also simulates a wide range of road user behaviors, not just reactions in the final seconds before an accident.

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