Federal security regulators have found 9 extra incidents that increase questions in regards to 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 car software program after receiving 22 reviews of robotaxis making sudden strikes that led to crashes and probably violated site visitors security legal guidelines. The investigation, which has been designated a “preliminary analysis,” is analyzing the software program and its means 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 stated Friday it has added one other 9 incidents for the reason that 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 have been found by regulators by way of public postings on social media and boards like Reddit, YouTube and X. The extra 9 incidents embrace reviews 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 stated it’s involved the robotaxis “exhibiting such sudden driving behaviors might improve the danger of crash, property injury, and harm.” The company stated 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 reply to a collection of questions concerning 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 reviews of the corporate’s autonomous-equipped Toyota Highlanders being rear-ended by bikes after the SUVs unexpectedly triggered the brakes.
