In response to ongoing safety concerns and regulatory issues, Waymo, the autonomous car company owned by Google parent Alphabet, has announced a recall of its previous software. This decision comes shortly after an incident where an angry mob set fire to a Waymo driverless taxi in San Francisco. While the current fleet that has updated software remains unaffected by the recall, this move highlights the challenges faced by the autonomous car industry.
Waymo and its competitor, Cruise, initially positioned themselves as safer alternatives to human-driven taxis. However, recent events have revealed the opposite to be true. Cruise hit a pedestrian and dragged her for 20 feet in October 2023, while other pedestrians have reported near misses with autonomous vehicles.
Waymo’s decision to recall its previous software stems from two separate incidents in December of last year, where Waymo cars collided with the same truck being towed. Waymo maintains that the truck was being improperly towed and was positioned in a way that obstructed the traffic flow.
Acknowledging their responsibility to improve road safety, Waymo has filed a recall report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While the company places some blame on the pickup truck involved in the incidents, this recall indicates their commitment to addressing any potential shortcomings in their software.
As the autonomous car industry continues to navigate regulatory challenges, incidents like these highlight the need for robust safety measures and thorough testing protocols. Waymo’s recall of its previous software serves as a reminder that safety remains a paramount concern in the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles.
FAQ:
1. Why did Waymo announce a recall of its previous software?
Waymo announced a recall of its previous software in response to ongoing safety concerns and regulatory issues, as well as two separate incidents where Waymo cars collided with the same improperly towed truck.
2. What prompted the recall?
The decision to recall the previous software came after an incident in which an angry mob set fire to a Waymo driverless taxi in San Francisco and other incidents involving pedestrian accidents and near misses.
3. Is the recall affecting the current fleet with updated software?
No, the recall only applies to the previous software version. The current fleet with updated software remains unaffected by the recall.
4. Who has Waymo filed a recall report with?
Waymo has filed a recall report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to acknowledge their responsibility to improve road safety.
5. What does the recall indicate about Waymo’s commitment?
The recall demonstrates Waymo’s commitment to addressing any potential shortcomings in their software and their dedication to improving road safety.
Key Terms:
1. Waymo: An autonomous car company owned by Google parent Alphabet.
2. Autonomous vehicles: Vehicles that are capable of driving themselves without human input.
3. Recall: A procedure in which a company asks customers to return a product due to safety concerns or defects.
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The source of the article is from the blog papodemusica.com