Martha Stewart Calls Waymo Ojai a 'Home Away From Home' in New Autonomous Vehicle Campaign

Martha Stewart Endorses Waymo's First Purpose-Built Autonomous Vehicle

Martha Stewart has become the face of Waymo Ojai, Alphabet's autonomous-driving company's newest robotaxi designed specifically for driverless rides2

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. In a 52-second campaign spot inspired by Architectural Digest's Open Door series, the domestic lifestyle authority welcomes viewers into what she calls her latest "home away from home"2

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. Stewart assesses the Ojai's "excellent architecture and curb appeal" before touring its features and joking, "I'd hand you the keys, but there aren't any"2

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. The collaboration positions the autonomous vehicle as an aspirational personal space rather than merely transportation, extending Waymo's strategy beyond pop music partnerships into mainstream domestic culture.

Inside the 'Living Room on Wheels' Design

Waymo refers to the Ojai as a "living room on wheels," and the purpose-built autonomous vehicle delivers substantial upgrades over the company's Jaguar I-PACE cars1

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. Built by Chinese EV manufacturer Zeekr and outfitted with Waymo's technology in Mesa, Arizona, the all-electric vehicle resembles a compact passenger van2

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. The design features elevator-like automatic sliding doors that open at a finger's touch onto a low step, wide entrance, and completely flat floor2

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. The current configuration accommodates up to four passengers—one in the front passenger seat and three across the rear—while embedded braille, screen-reader compatibility, and a seat-integrated support handle address accessibility needs2

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Gemini AI Tech Powers Enhanced Passenger Experience

The Ojai features three large in-car screens outfitted with Gemini AI tech that adapt to occupied seats1

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. One screen sits in front while two are positioned in the rear, giving the nearest rider full control while unused screens show trip status or ambient imagery2

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. Riders can start the trip, reposition passenger seats, and set the temperature through a screen or the Waymo app2

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. Calm Mode dims the displays and reduces information shown, while linked Spotify accounts can follow riders into the vehicle, with YouTube Music also integrated2

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. Two distinct AI systems operate inside: the sixth-generation Waymo Driver handles autonomous driving, while Gemini provides conversational assistance2

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Advanced Sensor Technology Enables All-Weather Capability

The sixth-generation Waymo Driver utilizes 13 cameras, four lidar units, six radar units, and onboard computing to perceive the road and perform the entire driving task2

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. The sensors provide overlapping fields of view extending as far as one third of a mile, with heaters, wipers, and cleaning systems designed to keep them functioning through snow and grime2

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. Waymo says the newer system costs less while delivering greater resolution, range, and computing power compared to its fifth-generation system2

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. This cold-weather capability proves central to Waymo's national expansion plans beyond current Sun Belt markets.

Competitive Positioning Against Zoox and Traditional Taxis

Stewart was unsparing about traditional alternatives, describing New York yellow cabs as putting passengers "in a crowded back seat behind a glass barrier with few amenities" and calling it "a pretty horrible experience"2

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. The Ojai offers unobstructed space, legroom, and comfort that Stewart sees as productive workspace, noting "any car is my office"2

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. While the custom-made Ojai represents an upgrade, it lacks the innovative carriage-style seating offered by Zoox, Amazon's robotaxi company, which allows riders to sit across from each other in vehicles that can drive in either direction seamlessly1

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. However, Zoox is only available to the public in Las Vegas, while Waymo now serves Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix, with plans to launch in New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Tokyo1

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Implications for Urban Mobility and Entertainment Integration

According to Jackie Hyun, Waymo's head of marketing, the Ojai's trunk, additional legroom, and "party space" make it particularly suited to airport trips and small groups2

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. This proposition matters especially in Los Angeles, where hours spent crossing the city can become part of the working day, with local riders already using driverless trips to take meetings, film social content, or work between appointments2

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. The AI-powered ride-hailing experience functions as a private mobile office or green room in a city where transportation and entertainment are intertwined. Waymo has methodically placed itself within entertainment culture through partnerships with Saweetie, Julia Michaels, Kesha, and KATSEYE, with custom-wrapped cars promoting artists including Sabrina Carpenter and BLACKPINK2

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. Stewart's endorsement extends this strategy beyond pop music, giving the autonomous vehicle the imprimatur of one of America's most recognizable authorities on domestic life.