Waymo Recalls 3,800 Robotaxis Over Software Issues
Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle branch, is recalling over 3,800 of its robotaxis in the U.S. due to a software error that led several vehicles into highway construction zones. This incident marks yet another technical mishap for the company.
The recall was filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration after a series of mishaps beginning in early April, occurring in California and Arizona. Some self-driving cars failed to recognize ramp closure signs, resulting in them inadvertently driving into construction areas where work was ongoing.
The recall report states that “under certain circumstances,” an autonomous vehicle might enter a construction zone and could travel at speeds that are deemed excessive, though it doesn’t provide specifics on how this happens.
In light of these issues, Waymo has imposed restrictions, preventing its cars from operating on highways until they enhance their technology to better navigate construction zones.
There are concerns about the performance of the self-driving cars, especially around areas where construction is happening. Waymo acknowledged this in a statement, noting their intent to notify regulators while they work on improvements and the recent software recall.
This incident marks the second recall within a span of just over a month. In May, Waymo had to recall about 4,000 robotaxis due to their tendency to exceed speed limits and enter flooded roads. Moreover, in April, one of their unmanned vehicles had struggled in bad weather, falling into a flooded lane, which prompted an internal review of their driving system’s responses to unusual conditions.
Waymo has faced similar recalls regarding its vehicles’ ability to predict the movements of other vehicles and their reactions to roadside objects. There’s also an ongoing investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration following an incident in January, when one of Waymo’s self-driving cars collided with a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica, leading to minor injuries.
Federal safety officials are also looking into a separate case from January where a Waymo vehicle allegedly passed a stopped school bus with its lights flashing, which had resulted in an earlier recall.
