Waymo Under Investigation for Autonomous Vehicle Software Failures

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Probing Waymo's Autonomous Vehicle Software Following Reports of Crashes and Traffic Safety Violations

Waymo's autonomous vehicle software is under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) following 22 reports of crashes or potential traffic safety law violations. The probe aims to assess the software's ability to avoid collisions with stationary objects and respond to traffic safety control devices. This investigation marks the second scrutiny of autonomous vehicles in two days, following a similar probe into Amazon-backed Zoox's AVs. Waymo, dedicated to becoming the world's most trusted driver, has encountered issues with its robotaxis at construction sites and parking complexes, as reported by the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Though these incidents are not life-threatening, they underscore the challenges in developing truly autonomous vehicles.

Key Takeaways

• Federal regulators are investigating Waymo's autonomous vehicle software due to 22 reports of crashes or traffic safety law violations.
• The focus of the investigation is on the software's ability to avoid collisions with stationary objects and response to traffic safety control devices.
• This marks the second investigation into autonomous vehicles by ODI in two days, following the probe into Zoox AVs.
• Waymo previously recalled autonomous software after two crashes into a towed pickup truck in Phoenix, Arizona.
• Recurring issues with construction sites and automatic gates highlight challenges in developing fully autonomous vehicles.

Analysis

The NHTSA's investigation into Waymo's autonomous vehicle software could signal increased scrutiny of self-driving technology, potentially impacting not only Waymo but also other autonomous vehicle manufacturers, market valuation, and investor confidence. Short-term consequences may involve temporary setbacks in testing and deployment, while long-term effects could lead to stricter regulations and safety standards for the autonomous vehicle industry. This observation may require countries and organizations advancing self-driving technology, such as the US Department of Transportation, to reevaluate their policies and guidelines. The current investigation, in conjunction with the recent probe into Amazon-backed Zoox's AVs, underscores the challenges in perfecting autonomous vehicle software, possibly affecting the timeline and success of fully autonomous vehicles.

Did You Know?

• Autonomous Vehicle Software: These systems enable vehicles to operate without human intervention, using sensors and onboard computing to interpret and navigate the driving environment. Waymo's autonomous vehicle software is under investigation for potential issues in avoiding collisions and responding to traffic safety control devices.
• Office of Defects Investigation (ODI): This NHTSA division investigates potential defects in motor vehicles and their equipment, as seen in the probe into Waymo's autonomous vehicle software following reports of crashes or traffic safety law violations.
• Traffic Safety Control Devices: These refer to various traffic control mechanisms, including traffic lights, stop signs, pedestrian crossings, speed limit signs, and similar devices, all of which Waymo's software is being examined for its ability to respond to.