Waymo recalls 3,800 robotaxis over safety-critical software flaw

Waymo has announced a recall of approximately 3,800 robotaxis after identifying a software defect that could cause its autonomous vehicles to enter motorway sections closed due to roadworks.

According to TechCrunch, the malfunction allowed driverless vehicles to mistakenly drive into construction zones on highways.

The company reported at least 13 such incidents: six in April in Phoenix and another seven in May in the San Francisco area. As a result, on 19 May, Waymo suspended all robotaxi operations on motorways, limiting service to urban streets while a software fix is being developed.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that in Phoenix, the vehicles failed to recognise signs indicating motorway exit closures. In San Francisco, the system occasionally prioritised avoiding other obstacles and failed to properly identify construction zones.

This marks the sixth recall involving Waymo’s autonomous fleet. Previous recalls addressed issues related to operating near school buses, navigating flooded roads, and collisions involving gates, chains, utility poles, and tow trucks.