Waymo, the AV division of Alphabet Inc., recently announced a voluntary software recall for 1,200 of its self-driving robotaxis. This action comes as a response to a pattern of multitudes of close calls. These custom vehicles have been crashing through every sort of gate-like material imaginable, from literal gates to chains. The recall is an indicator of Waymo’s commitment to safety and operational integrity within its fleet.
Reuters was first to report the recall of the software. This move follows closely after Waymo’s late last year software update. This latter fix had the intent of fixing the same root cause of the robotaxis running into things in the street. In retrospect, this was Waymo submitting the last required paperwork to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This step is important to alert them to the recall and to meet basic safety standards.
As of June 2024, Waymo had already recalled the software on its Jaguar I-Pace robotaxis. This previous recall points to underlying issues that the company continues to grapple with as it works to perfect its self-driving technology. Recent alarming incidents with gates and chains had already made concerns clear. To further pile on, just this last Friday one of Waymo’s robotaxis hit a telephone pole, exacerbating concerns about its self-driving systems.
Waymo right now has a fleet of 1,500 commercial robotaxis. You may spot them in large U.S. cities such as Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Francisco. Fast forward to late November 2024, and the company just released its newest software update across its fleet. This enhancement had a big emphasis on minimizing collision related dangers and increasing safety within just its fleet of motor vehicles.
Waymo’s decision to implement this recall even without a regulatory requirement is a testament to its proactive approach in addressing safety concerns. The company is still not publicly measuring its safety record and is piloting a number of new initiatives to reduce incidents and increase public confidence in its self-driving technology. The ongoing development and refinement of software solutions are critical for Waymo as it navigates the complexities of autonomous vehicle deployment.