Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company owned by Alphabet, has issued a voluntary software recall for all 672 of its Jaguar I-Pace robotaxis. This comes after one of the vehicles collided with a telephone pole during a low-speed maneuver. This is the second software recall for Waymo, with the first occurring in February when two robotaxis crashed into a pickup truck being towed by a tow truck.
The decision to recall the vehicles demonstrates Waymo’s commitment to safety and transparency. The company alerted The Verge to the recall remedy, indicating their proactive approach in response to increased scrutiny from regulators and the public. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently investigating Waymo’s autonomous vehicle software following reports of robotaxis crashing or potentially violating traffic safety laws.
To address the issue, Waymo has submitted recall documents to the NHTSA, who will publish them on their website after processing. Katherine Barna, a Waymo spokesperson, emphasized the company’s dedication to safety and transparent communication. This recall reflects their responsibility to ensure the safe deployment of their technology.
Transparency has become a priority for autonomous vehicle companies, especially after the controversy surrounding GM’s Cruise in 2023. Cruise lost its permits to operate in California and grounded its entire fleet after one of its robotaxis was involved in a fatal accident. The incident damaged Cruise’s reputation, not only because a human-driven vehicle hit the pedestrian first but also because Cruise executives withheld crucial details from regulators.
Waymo’s second recall was prompted by an accident that occurred on May 21 in Phoenix. During a low-speed maneuver, a Waymo vehicle without a human safety operator collided with a telephone pole in an alley. Reports indicate that the alley was lined with wooden poles that were level with the road and marked by yellow lines. The vehicle slowed down to pull over but ended up striking the pole at a speed of 8 miles per hour. Thankfully, no passengers or pedestrians were injured.
Waymo quickly took action to address the issue. They discovered that their vehicles had an insufficient ability to avoid collisions with narrow, permanent objects within the drivable surface. As a result, they implemented mapping and software updates to enhance safety.
The incident left a passenger waiting for her first Waymo ride, as the vehicle never made it to pick her up. This highlights the impact such accidents can have on individuals who rely on autonomous vehicles for transportation.
Overall, Waymo’s voluntary software recall demonstrates their commitment to safety and their willingness to learn from incidents to improve their technology. The company’s proactive approach and transparency set a positive example for the industry as it navigates the challenges of deploying autonomous vehicles on public roads.
