Waymo recalls robotaxis after some vehicles entered construction zone

Waymo, Alphabet's self-driving technology company, is recalling approximately 3,900 robotaxis following a software malfunction that led vehicles to enter construction zones. The recall, prompted by incidents in Arizona and California in April and May, specifically involves the 5th Generation Automated Driving System (ADS) powering its Jaguar fleet.

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Under certain circumstances, the [autonomous vehicle] may enter and drive at speed in freeway construction zones due to inappropriately prioritizing the avoidance of other freeway hazards and/or failing to recognize the construction zone.

According to a recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the autonomous driving software failed to adequately recognize ramp closures and construction zones. In some instances, vehicles prioritized avoiding other freeway hazards over recognizing these restricted areas, leading them to enter active construction zones at speed.

Waymo had expanded its freeway driving capabilities to San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles last year. The incidents detailed include six occurrences in Phoenix where Waymo vehicles missed ramp-closure signs and entered construction areas. In May, seven vehicles in the San Francisco Bay Area drove into freeway lanes marked with active construction, navigating between cones.

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The Waymo started freaking out as we got closer to the merge cause the lanes were kind of all merging.

The NHTSA emphasized that driving at speed within freeway construction zones significantly elevates the potential for collisions. One passenger, Elliot Slade, recounted a terrifying experience where his Waymo vehicle sped through a construction zone in California, prompting a police chase and causing him and his fiancée to fear for their lives. Waymo offered Slade three free rides following the incident.

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There were construction signs. There were lights going on. Police in the distance, and it sped up. That's when I looked at my fiancée, we're done. This is it. We're dead. We're going to die right here in the Waymo.