Waymo, the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of Alphabet, has issued a voluntary recall for the software on its entire fleet of robotaxis after two minor collisions in Phoenix. The incidents involved two autonomous SUVs making contact with the same tow truck on December 11, 2023. Remarkably, neither of the SUVs were carrying passengers at the time, and no injuries were reported.
The collisions occurred due to a rear-facing pickup truck that was improperly being towed, obstructing a center turn lane and a traffic lane. Following the accidents, Waymo promptly notified the Phoenix Police Department, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to report the incidents.
In collaboration with the NHTSA, Waymo deployed a software update on December 20 to address the issue. The update was successfully completed on January 12, after which Waymo filed a recall report with the NHTSA. According to estimates, the recall potentially affects 444 autonomous vehicles.
Waymo started its robotaxi service in Phoenix as a part of Google’s self-driving car project, and since then, their high-tech SUVs have become a common sight on the city’s roads. Waymo One, the nation’s first fully driverless commercial taxi service, was launched more than three years ago, allowing passengers to hail robotaxis using a mobile app.
Waymo One has continued to expand its service area gradually over the years. Starting with a 50-square-mile coverage in and around Chandler in October 2022, the range quickly grew to encompass over 180 square miles in May 2023, extending to Chandler, Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Mesa. In July, an additional 45 square miles were added, including popular destinations such as Camelback Mountain, McCormick Ranch, and The Farm at South Mountain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Waymo Software Recall
1. Why did Waymo issue a voluntary recall for the software on its robotaxi fleet?
Waymo issued a voluntary recall for its software after two minor collisions involving its autonomous SUVs and a tow truck. The collisions were caused by the tow truck obstructing a center turn lane and a traffic lane.
2. When did the collisions occur and were there any injuries?
The collisions happened on December 11, 2023. Remarkably, neither of the SUVs were carrying passengers at the time, and no injuries were reported.
3. Who were notified about the collisions?
Waymo promptly notified the Phoenix Police Department, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to report the incidents.
4. What was Waymo’s collaboration with the NHTSA after the collisions?
Waymo worked with the NHTSA to deploy a software update on December 20 to address the issue. The update was successfully completed on January 12, after which Waymo filed a recall report with the NHTSA.
5. How many autonomous vehicles are potentially affected by the recall?
According to estimates, the recall potentially affects 444 autonomous vehicles in Waymo’s fleet.
6. When did Waymo launch its robotaxi service in Phoenix?
Waymo started its robotaxi service in Phoenix more than three years ago as a part of Google’s self-driving car project.
7. What is Waymo One?
Waymo One is the nation’s first fully driverless commercial taxi service launched by Waymo. It allows passengers to hail robotaxis using a mobile app.
8. How has Waymo One expanded its service area over the years?
Waymo One’s service area has gradually expanded over the years. It started with a 50-square-mile coverage around Chandler in October 2022 and quickly grew to encompass over 180 square miles in May 2023, extending to Chandler, Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Mesa. In July, an additional 45 square miles were added.
Definitions:
– Robotaxis: Autonomous vehicles used as taxis, capable of driving without human drivers.
– NHTSA: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a U.S. government agency responsible for road safety regulations and vehicle recalls.
Suggested Related Links:
– Waymo Official Website
– National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The source of the article is from the blog queerfeed.com.br