Students at Hobart and William Smith Colleges got a front-row seat to the future of transportation this week, as autonomous vehicle company Waymo rolled onto campus with one of its self-driving cars.
The event took place Tuesday outside the Scandling Campus Center, where students gathered for a hands-on look at the cutting-edge tech that’s reshaping how people move through cities. The showcase is part of Waymo’s broader mission to make mobility safer, easier, and more sustainable through artificial intelligence-powered vehicles.
“This is a great opportunity for students to engage with one of the leading companies in autonomous vehicle innovation,” said Brandi Ferrara, assistant vice president for career services. “It highlights how AI, engineering, and liberal arts are increasingly connected.”
The visit was made possible by New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney, a 2004 HWS graduate and current member of the school’s Board of Trustees.
Several student clubs — including those focused on AI, real estate, and advertising — will work directly with Waymo on case study projects. The collaboration underscores how self-driving technology is influencing more than just transportation, with potential impacts on urban planning, public safety, and the economy.
Waymo currently operates its commercial ride-hailing service, Waymo One, in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, with more cities on the way.
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