Waymo Recalls Robotaxis
Waymo recalls nearly 4,000 robotaxis due to software issue causing them to drive into highway construction zones, restricting freeway operations until a fix is developed
Key points
- Waymo has recalled nearly 4,000 robotaxis to address a software issue related to driving in highway construction zones
- The recall was prompted by at least 13 instances of robotaxis driving into closed highway sections, with six in Phoenix and seven in San Francisco
- Waymo has restricted freeway driving for its robotaxis, but they are still operating on surface streets
- This is the sixth recall issued by Waymo for its robotaxis, with previous recalls addressing issues such as low-speed collisions and illegal behavior around school buses
- The company is working on a fix and has notified state and federal regulators, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Waymo's robotaxis were first allowed to drive on freeways in Phoenix in 2024, initially with employees and later with paying customers
Waymo, the self-driving car subsidiary of Alphabet, has recalled nearly 4,000 of its robotaxis due to a software issue. The issue causes the vehicles to drive into highway construction zones, prompting the company to restrict freeway operations until a fix is developed.
The recall was prompted by at least 13 instances of robotaxis driving into closed highway sections, with six occurring in Phoenix, Arizona in April and seven in San Francisco, California in May. Waymo has notified state and federal regulators, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and is working on a fix.
This is not the first recall issued by Waymo for its robotaxis. The company has previously recalled its vehicles to address issues such as low-speed collisions with chains and gates, telephone poles, and illegal behavior around school buses.
Waymo's robotaxis were first allowed to drive on freeways in Phoenix in 2024, initially with employees and later with paying customers. The company has released videos showing how its vehicles navigate freeways, but the recent recall highlights the ongoing challenges in developing self-driving technology.
Sources
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