Waymo Recalls Software to Improve Robotaxi Behavior Near School Buses
Waymo, an autonomous vehicle company under Alphabet, is initiating a voluntary software recall to enhance the behavior of its robotaxis near school buses. This decision comes amid rising concerns from federal regulators and local officials about the safety of its self-driving technology.
Details of the Voluntary Software Recall
Waymo plans to file the recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) early next week. The company identified the need for this action and updated its software on November 17 to improve operational safety around school buses.
- Improved Performance: Waymo asserts that the latest software update has significantly advanced the performance of its robotaxis, surpassing that of human drivers.
- Incidents in Focus: The recall follows an increase in scrutiny from NHTSA. The agency’s Office of Defects Investigation initiated an inquiry in October after witnessing footage of a Waymo vehicle interacting improperly with a stopped school bus in Atlanta.
Regulatory and Community Concerns
Reports include instances where Waymo robotaxis allegedly passed school buses with their stop signs activated. The Austin School District has documented at least five such cases occurring after the software update.
In a letter dated December 3, NHTSA requested further details from Waymo regarding its autonomous operations. This inquiry followed claims from the Austin School District about 19 episodes this year of robotaxis bypassing buses.
Safety Commitment and Previous Actions
Waymo emphasizes its commitment to safety, boasting that its vehicles experience twelve times fewer injury crashes involving pedestrians compared to human-operated vehicles. Mauricio Peña, Waymo’s Chief Safety Officer, stated that the company recognizes the importance of continuous improvement in its self-driving technology.
- Past Recalls: Waymo has previously issued voluntary software recalls, with notable events earlier this year and in 2024. One of last year’s recalls was prompted by a collision involving a vehicle without a human safety operator.
The company’s proactive measures and ongoing analysis reflect its dedication to ensuring that its self-driving systems operate safely, especially in sensitive situations like interacting with school buses. Waymo will continue to monitor and update its technology to adhere to the highest safety standards.
