Waymo, the self-driving vehicle subsidiary of Google’s parent company, Alphabet, has announced a recall of its autonomous vehicles, marking the first recall in the company’s history. The recall comes in response to a software concern identified after two Waymo self-driving vehicles collided with a pickup truck that was being towed.
The incidents took place in Phoenix in December, prior to a software update release. During the first incident on December 11, a Waymo vehicle collided with a pickup truck that was being towed backward across the middle turn lane and right travel lane. Shortly afterwards, another Waymo vehicle made contact with the same pickup truck.
Fortunately, the collisions occurred at low speeds, resulting in no injuries. Waymo immediately initiated discussions with the National Highway Traffic Safety Transportation Administration, providing them with updates on the incidents. To address the issue, Waymo conducted a software update on all affected vehicles between December 20, 2023, and January 12, 2024.
This recall, affecting approximately 444 autonomous vehicles, highlights the diligence and responsibility undertaken by Waymo in addressing safety concerns promptly. The company’s commitment to ensuring the safety of both passengers and other road users is clear in their immediate action to rectify the software issue. Waymo’s ongoing collaboration with regulatory bodies further demonstrates their dedication to maintaining the highest safety standards.
This incident serves as a reminder of the complex challenges faced by autonomous vehicle manufacturers. Maintaining the integrity of software systems is essential to the safe operation of self-driving vehicles. Waymo’s proactive response to this concern reinforces their commitment to the advancement of autonomous driving technology while prioritizing public safety.
As Waymo continues to refine its technology and address any emerging issues, it remains at the forefront of the autonomous driving industry. The company’s progress in the Phoenix area, where its vehicles have been offering rides to fare-paying passengers, indicates the potential for a future where autonomous transportation becomes a widespread reality.
FAQ Section:
1. What is the recall announced by Waymo?
Waymo has announced a recall of its autonomous vehicles due to a software concern identified after two vehicles collided with a pickup truck.
2. When did the incidents take place?
The incidents took place in December prior to a software update release.
3. What happened during the collisions?
The collisions occurred at low speeds and resulted in no injuries. The vehicles collided with a pickup truck that was being towed backward across the middle turn lane and right travel lane.
4. How did Waymo address the issue?
Waymo conducted a software update on all affected vehicles between December 20, 2023, and January 12, 2024, to rectify the software issue.
5. How many vehicles are affected by the recall?
Approximately 444 autonomous vehicles are affected by the recall.
Key Terms or Jargon:
– Self-driving vehicles: Vehicles equipped with technology that allows them to operate without human input.
– Software update: The process of updating the software on a device or system to improve its performance or address issues.
– Collision: An event where two or more vehicles or objects come into contact.
– Autonomous driving technology: Technology that enables vehicles to operate without human control.
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The source of the article is from the blog maestropasta.cz