Waymo Recalls Thousands of Robotaxis After some Vehicles Entered Freeway Construction Zones
Waymo said at least 13 incidents prompted the recall, and the company is developing a fix while keeping its robotaxis on surface streets.
- On Wednesday, Waymo recalled 3,871 robotaxis using its 5th Generation Automated Driving System after vehicles entered closed freeway construction zones at speed. The company filed the recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on June 17.
- Software logic errors caused the incidents, as the system sometimes failed to recognize construction zones or prioritized avoiding other freeway hazards instead. Waymo identified at least 13 instances across Phoenix and the San Francisco Bay Area where vehicles drove past ramp closure signs and cones.
- While no injuries or collisions were reported, Waymo suspended all freeway operations on May 19. A permanent fix remains 'currently under development,' according to NHTSA filings, though the fleet continues operating on surface streets.
- This marks Waymo's sixth safety recall in roughly 28 months, following a May incident where 3,791 vehicles were recalled after one robotaxi drove into a flooded road. The frequency of recalls highlights challenges as the company navigates high-speed driving environments.
- Despite these setbacks, Waymo plans to launch in more than 20 cities this year, including London and Tokyo. Newer Zeekr Ojai vans equipped with a 6th-generation ADS are unaffected by the software issue and continue normal operations.
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29 Articles
Why were Waymo cars driving into active construction zones?
After driving into floodwater, gates, and telephone poles, Waymo’s robotaxis are being recalled yet again for driving into hazards. This time, Waymo’s fleet of nearly 4,000 vehicles is being recalled after at least 13 instances of the cars driving into construction zones on highways. Seven of those incidents occurred in a single day in San Francisco. On May 18, seven of Waymo’s robotaxis drove into active construction zones on highways in the Ba…
Waymo pulls nearly 3,900 robotaxis after cars drive into closed highway work zones
Waymo is recalling more than 3,800 robotaxis following at least 13 instances of vehicles driving into highway construction zones, according to the company and federal filings.
Self-driving car maker Waymo must fix a safety issue with nearly 3,900 vehicles in the United States. Due to a fault, the cars can continue driving at high speed past highway road closures for roadwork, reports the NHTSA.
Waymo Recalls 3,800 Robotaxis to Keep Them Out of Freeway Construction Zones
According to an NHTSA filing, Waymo's fifth-gen ADS fails to identify closed construction zones. A software fix is in the works, but freeway services will remain suspended until it's deployed.
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