Feds add 9 extra incidents to Waymo robotaxi investigation

Federal security regulators have found 9 extra incidents that increase questions concerning the security of Waymo’s self-driving autos working in Phoenix and San Francisco. 

The Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration Workplace of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation earlier this month into Waymo’s autonomous automobile software program after receiving 22 stories of robotaxis making surprising strikes that led to crashes and probably violated site visitors security legal guidelines. The investigation, which has been designated a “preliminary analysis,” is inspecting the software program and its potential to keep away from collisions with stationary objects and the way nicely it detects and responds to “site visitors security management units” like cones.

The company mentioned Friday it has added one other 9 incidents because the investigation was opened. Waymo couldn’t be reached for remark; TechCrunch will replace the article if the Alphabet-owned firm responds.

Waymo reported a few of these incidents. The others had been found by regulators by way of public postings on social media and boards like Reddit, YouTube and X. The extra 9 incidents embody stories of Waymo robotaxis colliding with gates, utility poles, and parked autos, driving within the improper lane with close by oncoming site visitors and into building zones. 

The ODI mentioned it’s involved the robotaxis “exhibiting such surprising driving behaviors might improve the chance of crash, property injury, and harm.” The company mentioned that whereas it’s not conscious of any accidents from these incidents, a number of concerned collisions with seen objects that “a reliable driver can be anticipated to keep away from.” The company additionally expressed concern that a few of these occurred close to pedestrians. 

NHTSA has given Waymo till June 11 to answer a sequence of questions relating to the investigation.

NHTSA has stepped up its inquiries into automated driving know-how. Earlier this month, the company opened an investigation into autonomous autos operated by Amazon-backed Zoox. The investigation was triggered after receiving two stories of the corporate’s autonomous-equipped Toyota Highlanders being rear-ended by bikes after the SUVs unexpectedly triggered the brakes.