Waymo Voluntarily Recalls Self-Driving Car Software After Incidents

Waymo, the self-driving vehicle unit of Alphabet, made an unprecedented move by issuing a voluntary recall of its software used in driverless cars, following two incidents that occurred in Phoenix, Arizona. The incidents, which took place on December 11, 2023, involved two Waymo robotaxis colliding with a towed pickup truck within minutes of each other. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and only minor vehicle damage was reported.

The recall was initiated after Waymo consulted with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and conducted an internal review of the incidents. Waymo spokesperson Katherine Barna stated that the company’s automated driving system (ADS) had incorrectly predicted the “future motion of a towed vehicle.” In response, Waymo updated the software to address this issue. The software updates were completed by January 12 and did not disrupt Waymo’s ride-hailing service, Waymo One.

Waymo currently operates its driverless ride-hailing service in several cities, including Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin. With a fleet of around 700 vehicles, Waymo has driven over 10 million fully autonomous miles and has provided over one million ride-hail trips.

It’s worth noting that the recent incidents have sparked public concern about the safety of autonomous vehicles and the impact of automation on employment. Waymo, however, has generally received less public criticism than its competitors, largely due to its open communication with agencies like the NHTSA and local first responders.

While Waymo takes proactive steps to ensure the safety and reliability of its autonomous technology, other companies in the self-driving space have faced setbacks. Waymo competitor Cruise, owned by GM, had its deployment and testing permits suspended by the California Department of Motor Vehicles after an incident involving a pedestrian in San Francisco. Additionally, Tesla, although promising a fully autonomous driving system, is facing accusations from the California DMV regarding deceptive marketing of its advanced driver assistance systems.

The recent recall by Waymo emphasizes the commitment of self-driving companies to address safety concerns quickly and proactively. As the industry continues to develop and refine autonomous technology, incidents like these will play a crucial role in shaping regulations and public perception.

FAQ:

Q: What prompted Waymo to issue a voluntary recall?
A: Waymo issued a voluntary recall of its software used in driverless cars after two incidents in Phoenix, Arizona, where Waymo robotaxis collided with a towed pickup truck within minutes of each other.

Q: When did the incidents occur?
A: The incidents took place on December 11, 2023.

Q: Were there any injuries in the incidents?
A: Fortunately, there were no injuries reported in the incidents, only minor vehicle damage.

Q: What did Waymo do after the incidents?
A: Waymo consulted with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and conducted an internal review of the incidents. They determined that their automated driving system had incorrectly predicted the motion of a towed vehicle and then updated the software to address this issue.

Q: When were the software updates completed?
A: The software updates were completed by January 12.

Q: Did the software updates affect Waymo’s ride-hailing service?
A: No, the software updates did not disrupt Waymo’s ride-hailing service, Waymo One.

Q: In which cities does Waymo currently operate its driverless ride-hailing service?
A: Waymo currently operates its driverless ride-hailing service in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin.

Q: How many vehicles does Waymo have in its fleet?
A: Waymo has a fleet of around 700 vehicles.

Q: How many fully autonomous miles has Waymo driven?
A: Waymo has driven over 10 million fully autonomous miles.

Q: How many ride-hail trips has Waymo provided?
A: Waymo has provided over one million ride-hail trips.

Definitions:

– National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – It is a U.S. government agency responsible for regulating and promoting safety on roadways and within the automotive industry.
(https://www.nhtsa.gov)

– Automated Driving System (ADS) – It refers to the technology and software that allow a vehicle to operate without human control, also known as self-driving or autonomous technology.