Filings: Waymo pulls its ~4K robotaxis from highways after finding 13+ instances of the cars driving into highway sections under construction
Waymo has recalled its fleet of nearly 4,000 robotaxis to restrict them from driving on highways while it figures out how to make the vehicles behave around construction zones.
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Waymo Yanks 4,000 Robotaxis Off Highways Over Construction Zone Fails
Waymo recalled its entire fleet after self-driving cars repeatedly drove into active highway construction zones.
Waymo just hit the brakes on highway driving for its entire robotaxi fleet. The Alphabet-owned company is pulling roughly 4,000 autonomous vehicles off highways after discovering at least 13 incidents where its cars drove straight into active construction zones.
That's not a minor glitch. Construction zones are chaotic by nature — shifted lanes, temporary barriers, workers on foot. A self-driving car barreling into one is a serious safety problem.
The recall restricts the vehicles from highway operation while Waymo works on a fix. The company needs to teach its autonomous driving system how to properly detect and navigate around construction areas before letting the fleet back on freeways.
It's a stark reminder that even the most advanced self-driving tech still struggles with the messy, unpredictable reality of actual roads. Construction zones remain one of autonomy's hardest unsolved problems.