Waymo, the self-driving car arm of Alphabet Inc, has expanded its pause of its robotaxi service to four US cities amid concerns over its vehicles driving into flooded roads. The service was initially suspended in Phoenix, Arizona, but has now been halted in San Francisco, California, Atlanta, Georgia, and San Antonio, Texas, according to reports.
The decision to suspend the service comes after several instances where Waymo's vehicles were spotted driving into flooded roads, raising safety concerns for passengers and pedestrians alike. The company is working to address the issue and prevent accidents from occurring in the future.
According to local news outlets, the flooded roads in the affected cities have been a major concern, with some areas experiencing heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding. Waymo's vehicles are equipped with sensors and cameras to detect and respond to their surroundings, but it appears that the technology has limitations in certain situations.
While the suspension of the robotaxi service is a precautionary measure, it highlights the need for ongoing development and refinement of autonomous vehicle technology. The UK, in particular, has been at the forefront of autonomous vehicle development, with several companies, including Waymo, testing their vehicles on British roads.
As the UK prepares for the potential rollout of autonomous vehicles in the coming years, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritising safety and addressing potential concerns before such technology becomes widespread.