"We're laying the foundation for a scalable, robust vehicle integration plan, starting in Michigan," according to Waymo, which is partnering with the Canadian-based automotive supplier Magna to help integrate the technology into various vehicles.
Investment in the project was expected to tally $13.6 million (roughly R189 040 000) and result in a performance-based grant of as much as $8 million (roughly R111 200 000) from a Michigan business development program.
"Our local engineers are already hard at work outfitting our Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivans with Waymo technology, and now we're looking forward to expanding our roots," the company said.
Born in a Google lab devoted to big-vision new technology, Waymo became a subsidiary of Alphabet in 2016.
A self-driving car service being tested by Waymo opened up to more people in the Phoenix, Arizona, area, late last year.
Those taking part in the service can use a smartphone application to summon autonomous vehicles any time of day to get about in an area about 100 square miles at its maximum, according to Waymo chief John Krafcik.
Waymo expected businesses to be interested in using the autonomous ride service to carry customers to and from shops.
The firm last year announced it was adding as many as 62,000 Fiat Chrysler minivans to its autonomous fleet in an expanded collaboration announced by the companies.