Federal security regulators have uncovered 9 different incidents that elevate questions concerning the security of Waymo’s self-driving automobiles working in Phoenix and San Francisco.
The U.S. Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration’s Workplace of Defects Investigation (ODI) launched an investigation into Waymo’s self-driving automobile software program earlier this month after receiving 22 reviews of robotaxis making surprising actions that triggered crashes and doubtlessly violated site visitors security legal guidelines. An investigation was launched. The investigation, often called a “preliminary evaluation”, is inspecting the software program and its potential to keep away from collisions with stationary objects, in addition to its potential to detect and reply to “site visitors security management gadgets” reminiscent of cones.
The company mentioned Friday that 9 extra incidents had been added because the investigation started. Waymo couldn’t be reached for remark; TechCrunch will replace this text if the Alphabet firm responds.
Waymo reported a few of these incidents. Different incidents had been found by regulators by public posts on social media and boards reminiscent of Reddit, YouTube and X. A report of a collision involving a car touring on the unsuitable aspect of the street and coming into a building zone.
ODI mentioned it’s involved that robotaxis “exhibiting such surprising driving conduct might improve the danger of collisions, property harm and accidents.” The company mentioned that whereas it was unclear whether or not any accidents resulted from the incidents, a number of of the incidents Involving collisions with seen objects “competent drivers ought to keep away from”. The company additionally expressed concern that a number of the incidents occurred close to pedestrians.
NHTSA has given Waymo till June 11 to reply a collection of questions concerning the investigation.
NHTSA steps up investigation of self-driving expertise. Earlier this month, the company launched an investigation into self-driving automobiles operated by Amazon-backed Zoox. The investigation was triggered after two reviews of the corporate’s self-driving Toyota Highlanders SUVs by chance braking after which being rear-ended by bikes.
