Waymo recalls thousands of robotaxis after some vehicles entered freeway construction zones

Waymo, the autonomous driving company owned by Alphabet, is issuing a recall of nearly 3,900 robotaxis due to a software issue that caused the vehicles to fail to recognize ramp closures and construction zones. The recall was prompted by incidents that occurred in April and May in Phoenix and the San Francisco Bay Area, where Waymo’s self-driving software struggled to navigate freeway construction zones.

The affected vehicles are powered by Waymo’s 5th Generation Automated Driving System (ADS), which is used in its fleet of Jaguar vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that all of the recalled vehicles are believed to have the software defect. According to the recall notice, the autonomous vehicles may enter and drive at speed in freeway construction zones due to a failure to recognize the construction zone or prioritize the avoidance of other freeway hazards.

Waymo had recently expanded freeway driving capabilities in cities like San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. However, the software issue led to multiple incidents where Waymo robotaxis failed to heed ramp-closure signs and drove into active construction zones. In one harrowing incident in May, a Waymo vehicle in San Mateo, California, sped through a construction zone and was pursued by police, causing distress to the passengers.

Elliot Slade, who was in the Waymo vehicle with his fiancée during the incident, described a chaotic scene with construction signs, merging lanes, and police presence that made him fear for their lives. The robotaxi eventually veered off the highway into a residential neighborhood. Waymo offered Slade three free rides as compensation, but he expressed uncertainty about using them.

In response to the recall, a Waymo spokesperson acknowledged the software issue and stated that the company had voluntarily restricted freeway operations to make improvements. Waymo proactively notified state and federal regulators and decided to file a voluntary software recall with the NHTSA. The spokesperson reassured that Waymo continues to safely serve riders on surface streets in all cities where they operate.

It is crucial for autonomous driving companies like Waymo to address software issues promptly to ensure the safety of passengers and other road users. This recall serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and responsibilities associated with developing and deploying self-driving technology.