In a surprising turn of events, Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company under Alphabet’s umbrella, has announced its decision to voluntarily recall software following an unusual accident in December. On December 11, 2023, two Waymo autonomous cars were involved in collisions with the same vehicle just minutes apart1.
The Unusual Incident
The collisions occurred with a pickup truck that was being towed in an unconventional orientation. The circumstances raised concerns about Waymo’s software and its ability to accurately predict the movement of a towed vehicle. While no injuries were reported, the incidents prompted a thorough investigation.
The Recall Details
Number of Vehicles: The recall potentially involves 444 autonomous vehicles in Waymo’s fleet.
Location: The incidents occurred in Phoenix, prior to a software update release.
Collision Description:
On December 11, a Waymo vehicle struck a pickup truck being towed backwards across the middle turn lane and right travel lane.
A few minutes later, a second Waymo vehicle made contact with the same pickup truck.
Both vehicles were traveling at low relative speeds during the incidents.
Swift Action and Ongoing Discussions
Waymo promptly engaged in discussions with the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration (NHTSA) about the incidents. The company took decisive action by updating the software in all affected vehicles between December 20, 2023, and January 12, 2024.
The Road Ahead
In May, Waymo made headlines when it announced that its robo-taxis would be able to carry passengers through most of the Phoenix area for the first time. The company’s vehicles began giving rides to fare-paying passengers in the Phoenix area in late 2020. Now, with safety at the forefront, Waymo aims to regain public trust and ensure the reliability of its autonomous technology.
As the autonomous vehicle industry continues to evolve, incidents like these serve as critical reminders that safety remains paramount. Waymo’s voluntary recall underscores the company’s commitment to addressing any potential risks swiftly and transparently.