Waymo Recalls Self-Driving Robotaxis Following Minor Accidents

Alphabet's autonomous driving unit, Waymo, has voluntarily issued a recall notice to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after two minor accidents involving its self-driving robotaxis. This development highlights the challenges in developing truly self-driving technology and the necessity for robot-driven cars to be flawless.

The incidents that led to the recall were situations that would typically prompt human drivers to become cautious and question the decision-making abilities of their fellow travelers. Waymo initiated the recall following an internal review of two scenarios that took place in Phoenix on December 11, 2023. Fortunately, no injuries occurred, and the vehicle damage was minor.

In the first incident, a Waymo vehicle encountered a pickup truck being improperly towed. The truck was angled across a center turn lane and a traffic lane. Shortly after, another Waymo vehicle collided with the same pickup truck that was still being towed in the same manner. The specifics of how the truck was being towed have not been disclosed by Waymo.

According to Waymo, the recall was prompted by the persistent orientation mismatch between the towed pickup truck and the tow-truck combination. This mismatch resulted in the Waymo autonomous vehicle inaccurately predicting the future motion of the towed vehicle.

Waymo emphasized its commitment to improving road safety in its release statement. The company has already driven over 10 million fully autonomous miles and completed over 1 million ride-hail trips, always prioritizing safety.

The Waymo and General Motors Self-Driving Car Saga

In recent months, both Waymo and General Motors (GM) have faced setbacks in their pursuit of self-driving car dominance. While these incidents may seem like mere "edge cases" to the average driver, they have had significant ripple effects in the autonomous vehicle industry.

The Cruise Unit's License Suspension

Last October, GM's Cruise unit had its license to operate self-driving taxis in California suspended following an accident. This incident caused a shakeup within the company, leading to management turnover and internal reviews. Although GM's self-driving taxis have not yet returned to the roads, the company remains committed to its business model while actively working on fixes.

GM Stock Performance

Interestingly, despite the license suspension and ongoing losses incurred by Cruise, GM's stock has seen a surge of almost 35%. This change can be attributed to other factors, such as the finalized UAW labor deal in November and positive earnings from GM's main car business. Investors are focusing more on these aspects rather than solely on the performance of GM's self-driving venture.

Waymo and Alphabet Stock Performance

Alphabet, the parent company of Waymo, has seen a 0.9% increase in premarket trading. In comparison, S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite futures have experienced rises of 0.3% and 0.5%, respectively. Despite this positive momentum, Alphabet's stock fell by 1.6% during Tuesday's trading due to an unexpected inflation report that caused a dip in most stocks, including those on the Nasdaq.

The Concept of Automotive Recalls

It is important to note that an automotive recall does not necessarily mean that cars are taken off the roads entirely. Instead, it typically involves bringing the vehicles back to a dealer for necessary fixes or updates. In the case of software-related recalls, dealer visits are not usually required. Waymo has already addressed the issue by updating its software on December 20, ensuring that their vehicles are equipped with the latest improvements.

While the self-driving car industry continues to face obstacles, both Waymo and GM remain steadfast in their pursuit of autonomous vehicle technology. As improvements are implemented and further advancements are made, it will be intriguing to witness how these companies navigate the ever-evolving landscape of autonomous transportation.