Waymo, the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of Alphabet, has announced a voluntary recall of 672 self-driving Jaguar I-Pace vehicles. This decision follows a collision on May 21st in Phoenix, Arizona, where an unoccupied Waymo car struck a wooden utility pole. The incident highlighted a software flaw in the vehicle’s hazard assessment system and map accuracy, prompting the recall and subsequent software updates.
The collision occurred as the driverless car navigated an alley to pick up a passenger. While pulling over, it collided with a telephone pole that was flush with the road surface, causing significant damage to the vehicle. Fortunately, no passengers or bystanders were injured. Waymo’s investigation revealed that the vehicle’s software had assigned a low damage score to the pole and failed to accurately account for the absence of a curb or clear road edge, leading to the misjudgment.
In response, Waymo is updating the software across its fleet of 672 vehicles. The updates are designed to enhance the vehicles' ability to detect and avoid poles and similar roadside objects. Additionally, improvements in the mapping software will better define road boundaries, even in areas lacking clear curbs or shoulders. This recall is Waymo’s second, following a 2022 recall of 444 vehicles due to a software error related to towed vehicle detection.
“We have already deployed mapping and software updates across our entire fleet, and this does not impact our current operations,” a Waymo spokesperson stated. “As we serve more riders in more cities, we will continue our safety-first approach.”
The incident has intensified scrutiny from federal regulators. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating over two dozen reports of unsafe behavior by Waymo’s driverless vehicles, including single-vehicle crashes and possible traffic violations. The NHTSA noted that the latest recall addresses scenarios where Waymo’s self-driving systems could fail to avoid poles or similar objects. The agency has given Waymo until August 6th to provide details on testing, software updates, and any temporary grounding of vehicles in response to specific incidents.
Waymo's proactive recall is an effort to maintain public trust and demonstrate a commitment to safety. As the company expands its commercial ride services, it faces challenges in public perception, particularly when viral videos showcase robotic driving errors. By swiftly identifying and addressing safety issues, Waymo aims to reassure both regulators and the public of the reliability and safety of its autonomous technology.
The autonomous driving industry promises a future with significantly fewer crashes, but incidents like the utility pole collision reveal the current limitations of even advanced systems. Companies like Waymo must continue to refine their technology and prove its readiness for widespread use. This latest recall and software update are steps toward achieving that goal, but they also underscore the ongoing challenges in developing truly reliable self-driving cars.
