Waymo Issues Voluntary Software Recall After Vehicle Collision

Waymo, a major player in the driverless vehicle industry, recently issued a voluntary software recall after one of its autonomous vehicles collided with a telephone pole in Phoenix, Arizona. The incident, which took place on May 21st in Phoenix, involved an unoccupied Waymo vehicle making its way to a passenger pickup location through an alley lined with wooden telephone poles. The vehicle struck one of the poles at a speed of 8mph, resulting in damage to the vehicle. Fortunately, no passengers or bystanders were injured in the collision.

This isn’t the first time Waymo has had to issue a recall. In fact, this is the second recall ever for the company, with a previous recall of 444 vehicles last February due to minor collisions. The latest recall involves issuing a software update to 672 vehicles in Waymo’s fleet. The update corrects an error in the software that underestimated the damage to the telephone pole and updates the map to include the hard road edge in the alleyway that was previously missing. It’s worth noting that this recall is not a traditional one where vehicles are taken off the road for repairs. Instead, Waymo can push an over-the-air update to affected vehicles and continue operations once the new software and maps have been loaded.

The timing of this recall is crucial as federal investigators are currently looking into almost all major companies operating autonomous vehicles in the US. Waymo is facing scrutiny for over two dozen incidents involving its driverless vehicles, including crashes and possible traffic law violations. Incidents such as the one on May 21st, where the vehicle collided with a stationary object, have raised concerns about the safety of autonomous vehicles. The proliferation of smartphones with cameras has made matters worse for companies like Waymo, as videos of their vehicles behaving unpredictably or dangerously can quickly go viral.

Despite the incidents and regulatory scrutiny, Waymo remains committed to safety. The company has already deployed mapping and software updates across its entire fleet, ensuring that its current operations are not impacted by the recall. Waymo spokesperson Katherine Barna emphasized the company’s “safety first” approach, highlighting their efforts to earn the trust of riders, community members, regulators, and policymakers. As Waymo continues to expand its operations and serve more riders in various cities, maintaining a strong focus on safety will be crucial.

The recent voluntary software recall by Waymo serves as a reminder of the challenges and responsibilities that come with developing and deploying autonomous vehicles. While incidents may occur, it’s essential for companies like Waymo to address issues promptly, implement necessary updates, and prioritize safety above all else. As the driverless vehicle industry continues to evolve, maintaining transparency, accountability, and a commitment to safety will be key in gaining public trust and ensuring the success of autonomous technologies.