A 'tech prankster' in San Francisco reportedly orchestrated an incident where 50 Waymo robotaxis were ordered to converge on the same street, exposing potential issues with the autonomous vehicles.
As Waymo expands its driverless car services to more U.S. cities, its autonomous vehicles are increasingly encountering novel and unexpected situations that they are not programmed to handle.
Google's sister company, Waymo, has registered a subsidiary in Switzerland, setting the stage for a potential robotaxi market duel with Uber in the country.
To accurately study crashes involving robotaxis, it is crucial to estimate fault, with Waymo and Zoox showing more crash data for fault counts compared to Tesla, whose fewer crashes suggest less driving activity.
Waymo co-CEO Dmitri Dolgov stated that physical AI systems, unlike digital AI, cannot afford to make mistakes due to the absence of an 'undo and retry button,' highlighting a focus on safety over rapid deployment.
A judge has compelled Waymo to cease its overnight operations in a California beach city after residents complained about noise, comparing it to a 'mini-Las Vegas.'
Starting in 2028, Waymo's driverless rides will become available on platforms other than Uber in Atlanta and Austin, Texas, as the two companies end their exclusivity arrangement.
Waymo and Uber are reportedly backing laws in Washington D.C. and New Jersey that critics argue protect existing businesses and hinder competition, according to Forbes.
Waymo reportedly called the police on two 15-year-olds who were allegedly drinking alcohol and shooting toy guns from a driverless taxi, prompting privacy concerns after the company disabled the vehicle.
Waymo, Google's self-driving car company, has announced plans to deploy its latest fleet of robotaxis in several American cities, with services expected to launch in Las Vegas soon.
Waymo is accelerating its expansion by launching driverless ride services in four additional US markets, solidifying its lead in the emerging robotaxi industry.
Data from Apptopia indicates that Zoox is gaining significant momentum in the robotaxi sector, showing growth in monthly active users that has surpassed Alphabet-owned Waymo.
Waymo reported that some of its robotaxis ran out of power and required towing during the July 4 gridlock in San Francisco. The incident highlights challenges faced by autonomous vehicles in congested urban environments.
Waymo and Uber have made a significant move to expand their robotaxi services in a major U.S. market, indicating further development in autonomous vehicle technology.
A Fox News AI newsletter provides updates on artificial intelligence advancements, including a mention of Waymo's recent robotaxi recall, and discusses the broader challenges and opportunities in the field.
Waymo, Google's self-driving car company, has quietly established a German subsidiary and is seeking test drivers in Berlin and Munich, a development discussed at the F.A.Z. AI Conference.
Waymo has recalled 3,871 robotaxi vehicles after its autonomous driving software failed to properly recognize freeway construction zones in Phoenix and San Francisco, posing a safety risk.
Alphabet's self-driving car division, Waymo, has addressed public concerns regarding the safety and operation of its autonomous vehicles. The company is working to build trust and transparency with the public.
Uber and autonomous driving company WeRide are partnering to launch a commercial robotaxi service in the Greater Zurich area. This initiative marks an expansion of their robotaxi operations into Europe.
Waymo has introduced an invite-only membership program priced at $30, offering benefits such as cash back and faster pickups. This new initiative aims to enhance the experience for select users of its autonomous driving service.
A burglar successfully fled the scene of a crime in a Waymo robotaxi, stashing the stolen goods in the vehicle's trunk and escaping without being identified.
Waymo, a leading company in autonomous driving, is introducing a new generation of robotaxis specifically designed for their intended use, promising improved performance and lower costs.
While Waymo's self-driving cars have faced criticism, they offer a rare sense of independence and joy for visually impaired individuals, allowing them to ride alone.
Waymo has temporarily paused its robotaxi operations in five U.S. cities after some of its autonomous vehicles encountered flooded roads. The company stated the decision was made out of an abundance of caution to ensure safety.
Waymo's recent recall is described as a minor setback within the rapidly expanding $2 trillion autonomous revolution, underscoring ongoing developments and challenges in the self-driving sector.
Dozens of Waymo's self-driving vehicles unexpectedly converged on a quiet cul-de-sac in Atlanta, leaving residents confused. The company stated it has addressed a routing behavior that caused the unusual pattern.
Dozens of Waymo driverless taxis reportedly overran an Atlanta neighborhood, circling cul-de-sacs and causing frustration and alarm among local residents. The empty autonomous vehicles were seen blocking streets in the area.
Uber executives have been publicly criticizing Waymo, their partner, as Waymo expands its autonomous vehicle service into new cities without Uber's involvement.
Waymo is recalling its entire fleet's software after one of its robotaxis drove into a flooded road during a heavy downpour in San Antonio last month, aiming to prevent similar incidents.
A Waymo robotaxi at an airport reportedly drove off with a passenger's suitcase still in its trunk. The autonomous vehicle then proceeded to another city, leaving the passenger without their luggage.
Waymo co-CEO Dmitri Dolgov stated that early startups often make a critical error during tech hype cycles, rushing in but failing to sustain their presence.
Waymo and Waze are collaborating to detect potholes in real time, utilizing robotaxi sensors and driver reports to help cities more quickly address dangerous road damage.
Alphabet-owned companies Waymo and Waze have announced a partnership to utilize self-driving cars to detect and track potholes, aiming to improve road maintenance.
Passengers in a Waymo self-driving car requested medical assistance after a crash in San Francisco's Outer Sunset neighborhood, while the other driver fled the scene on foot.
Despite the race by companies like Waymo and Tesla to build robotaxi businesses, a new report suggests that fully self-driving cars face significant hurdles, making their widespread implementation almost impossible.
There were two winners for the best live-action short film category at the Oscars on Sunday.
Brianna Bryson/Getty Images
At the Academy Awards on Sunday, the best live-action short film category…
A Waymo autonomous vehicle in Texas was captured in a terrifying moment, stopping between railway tracks with a crossing arm on its roof as a train passed by very closely.
A Waymo self-driving car reportedly obstructed an ambulance responding to a deadly mass shooting in Austin, raising concerns about autonomous vehicle protocols in emergency situations.
A Waymo robotaxi reportedly blocked an ambulance responding to a mass shooting in Austin, Texas, last week, with bystander video showing the autonomous vehicle obstructing emergency services.
Waymo, Google's self-driving car company, has begun testing its robotaxi services in Chicago to assess their performance and safety in challenging winter weather conditions.
Waymo is expanding its robotaxi service to 'select riders' in several major cities across Texas and Florida, including Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Orlando.
A price war has reportedly begun in the robotaxi industry, with Waymo reporting 1,429 incidents, 117 injuries, and two fatalities since 2021, while claiming 80% of the market.
Tesla has responded to Waymo's denial that its robotaxis are driven by remote workers in the Philippines, as Tesla faces scaling deadlines for its self-driving taxi service launched in 2025.
Ducati North America CEO Jason Chinnock expresses his desire that self-driving motorcycles do not become a reality, highlighting a sentiment against autonomous technology in the motorcycle industry.
Articles discuss the societal and economic impacts of self-driving cars and robotaxis, including their potential to save lives, affect jobs, and reshape urban landscapes, with Waymo cited as a case study.
A risk researcher states that Waymo's self-driving taxis cause 90 percent fewer accidents than human drivers, as Google's sister company prepares to launch in Switzerland, though other issues are noted.
New details suggest that a Waymo autonomous vehicle involved in a pedestrian fatality in Dallas was likely not at fault and could not have prevented the incident, raising questions about the potential for superhuman robocars.
Robotaxi companies such as Waymo, Tesla, and Zoox are expanding their services and taking on more passengers, even as they continue to develop and improve their autonomous driving systems.
China's reliance on coal is showing signs of easing, a development noted alongside discussions of Waymo's use of imported Chinese EVs and a potential 'super cycle' for cleantech investment.
Uber and Waymo are engaged in a significant labor dispute in Washington D.C. concerning the deployment and workforce implications of autonomous vehicles.
Traffic researchers suggest that Waymo robotaxis operate significantly safer than human drivers, according to a new paper, though the evaluation method has some limitations.
A two-vehicle accident involving a Waymo self-driving car occurred early Sunday morning in the Pico-Union area of Los Angeles, resulting in multiple injuries.
Zipline is expanding its drone delivery business in the U.S. and has hired former executives from Tesla, Uber Eats, and Waymo to help scale its operations in new markets.
Police detained two 15-year-olds after a Waymo self-driving car alerted authorities that its passengers were drinking and shooting water beads while riding.
Two 15-year-old boys were detained in San Mateo after the Waymo robotaxi they were riding in reported them to police for drinking and shooting Orbeez guns.
Waymo has published comparable incident data for its autonomous vehicles, a move that is expected to inform and influence discussions around the regulation of self-driving technology. The data aims to provide transparency and context for safety.
Passengers inside a Waymo driverless car in San Francisco filmed their terrifying experience as the vehicle drove directly into live fireworks on a street during the Fourth of July.
Uber and Waymo have concluded their robotaxi pilot program in Phoenix. Uber is expected to announce a new partner for its autonomous vehicle initiatives.
Waymo has registered a German entity, signaling its potential future expansion into the European market for robotaxi services. This move suggests the company is exploring opportunities beyond its current operational regions.
The competition for the robotaxi market has arrived in London, with British startup Wayve, in partnership with Uber, vying against US rival Waymo, owned by Google-parent Alphabet.
Lyft's Flexdrive arm is opening a depot in Nashville to service Waymo self-driving cars and is hiring ride-hailing drivers for these roles, offering a chance to 'get skilled up'.
The Silicon Valley company Waymo's ambitions to roll out autonomous cars nationwide have encountered political roadblocks in some of the country’s biggest markets, delaying their widespread deployment.
Waymo has introduced a new premier subscription tier for its autonomous ride service, priced at $29.99 a month. This service will initially be available in select cities, enhancing Waymo's stand-alone business model.
A self-driving Waymo vehicle reportedly obstructed firefighters responding to an apartment explosion in Dallas, with police unable to reach customer service for assistance.
Waymo has introduced its new Ojai robotaxi, designed with passenger comfort in mind, featuring a spacious cabin, flat floor, and large screens for controlling temperature and music.
Waymo has introduced its new robotaxi minivan, the Ojai, which is being touted as a potential game-changer in the autonomous vehicle industry. The company aims to expand its robotaxi services with this new model.
Filings reveal that Tesla's robotaxi fleet in Texas is less than one-tenth the size of Waymo's, indicating Tesla is still playing catch-up in the autonomous vehicle market in the state. This highlights the disparity in the scale of their respective operations and Waymo's dominant presence.
A Waymo self-driving car unexpectedly ended a ride early, leaving a passenger stranded. The company subsequently instructed the passenger to find an alternative ride using Uber.
Waymo's self-driving vehicles have reportedly encountered difficulties with flooded roads, an issue described as surprising for the advanced technology.
Thousands of Cubans gathered in front of the US embassy in Havana to protest the US indictment of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro. His daughter and other Cuban officials repudiated the accusations, with some expressing readiness to fight against imperialism.
Waymo has paused its driverless car service in Atlanta and Texas due to potentially dangerous storms and is suspending freeway rides for safety fixes. The robotaxi service has been challenged by conditions like floods.
Fifty empty Waymo autonomous vehicles were observed in an upscale Atlanta neighborhood, increasing the visibility of robotaxis as their rollout expands across US markets.
Residents in Atlanta, Georgia, are expressing frustration and safety concerns as videos go viral showing numerous empty Waymo robot-cars mysteriously clogging city side streets.
Robotaxi operator Waymo has issued a voluntary recall of nearly 3,800 vehicles to address software issues that could cause them to drive into flooded roadways, following an incident involving a robotaxi in such conditions.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi expressed optimism about a 'trillion-dollar' opportunity in the self-driving market, stating that Waymo's presence has not negatively impacted Uber's business.
The S&P 500 is exploring changes to its rules that could make it easier for large private companies like SpaceX, Anthropic, OpenAI, Stripe, Databricks, and Waymo to be included in the index if they go public.
Alphabet's Waymo received the vast majority of venture capital funding in the autonomous vehicle sector this year, marking the largest amount of VC funding for the sector in over a decade.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles has announced that police can now issue tickets to driverless cars and may suspend or revoke permits for Waymo taxis and other autonomous vehicles for repeated violations.
Apptronik has hinted at an upcoming robot release and bolstered its executive team with experienced professionals from companies like Waymo, Boston Dynamics, and Amazon.
Waymo has announced the expansion of its robotaxi service, making it available to all drivers in Miami and Orlando. This move marks a significant step in the broader deployment of autonomous vehicle technology.
Waymo's launch of its autonomous driving service in Nashville prompts analysis on whether investors should buy, sell, or hold GOOGL stock, reflecting market reactions to the expansion.
Investor Ross Gerber has publicly demanded a $10,000 refund for Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system if it fails to operate unsupervised. He also stated that Google's Waymo has successfully achieved autonomous driving.
A user review highlights a positive experience with a Waymo autonomous vehicle ride from the airport, but criticizes the difficulties encountered in accessing the service initially.
Despite concerns about job displacement due to robotaxis, Waymo's CEO asserts that the company will continue to require human technicians and operators.
Amazon's autonomous vehicle subsidiary, Zoox, is expanding its robotaxi operations by testing in 10 U.S. cities, stepping up its competition with industry leaders like Tesla and Google's Waymo.
BusinessBusiness InsiderTimes of Indiahindustan-times+3ndtvpunch-ngvanguard-ng5mo ago6 sources
Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai's new comp package comes with equity tied to Waymo's and Wing's performance
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai will get a new performance-based equity pay package worth up to $692M.
The new package ties Pichai's compensation partly to the financial performance of Waymo and Wing.
Waymo has expanded to 10 markets, marking significant growth for Alphabet's autonomous service.
Alphabet's chief executive just got a new equity pay package that, for ...
A US agency is set to host a forum focused on self-driving safety, bringing together the CEOs of prominent autonomous vehicle companies like Waymo, Zoox, and Aurora.
The incident was confirmed by the company and local officials, raising questions about how autonomous vehicles operate around fast-moving emergency scenes
Analysts assess Tesla's Robotaxi, noting its potential cost advantage over Waymo but highlighting concerns about longer waiting times and the continued reliance on human drivers.
Significant investments are being made in autonomous driving companies, including Google's Waymo and British start-up Wayve, with car manufacturers also participating in these multi-billion dollar funding rounds.
Following a setback in New York, Waymo is set to launch its autonomous vehicle services in the largest cities across Texas, expanding its footprint in the self-driving car market.
Waymo's plans to launch robotaxi services in New York are on hold after Governor Hochul withdrew a proposal that would have legalized unsupervised robotaxis in the state.
Tesla and Waymo are reportedly accelerating the deployment of new vehicles, including Tesla's Cybercab, to expand their respective robotaxi services and scale up their autonomous fleets.
US robotaxi company Waymo plans to establish a new branch on Europaallee in Zurich, Switzerland, though driverless cars are still years away from operation.
Lyft CEO David Risher discussed the company's growth in comparison to Waymo, its plans for international expansion, and internal focus areas during an interview on Bloomberg Tech.
The co-CEO of Waymo issued a stark warning to companies developing AI-powered robots and autonomous vehicles, emphasizing the critical nature of their actions by stating, 'There's Simply Not An Undo…'
A new study indicates that Waymo robotaxis have a crash rate 68% lower than vehicles operated by human drivers, despite some public anecdotes of issues.
Despite U.S. tariffs and security rules preventing Americans from buying Chinese electric vehicles, Alphabet's robotaxi company Waymo appears to be importing thousands of them.
A new U.S. study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that Waymo's driverless cars were involved in 68% fewer crashes than human-driven vehicles over a three-year period across four U.S. cities.
Waymo is reportedly exploring the termination of its partnership with Uber as competition in the robotaxi market intensifies. The potential split highlights growing tensions between the two companies in the autonomous vehicle sector.
Police officers searched a Waymo robotaxi after the company reported two underage riders inside the vehicle, highlighting the use of in-cabin cameras and microphones by remote support agents.
A Waymo self-driving car carrying passengers on US National Day drove directly through a fireworks display, failing to recognize the danger, though the occupants remained unharmed.
Waymo is set to expand its driverless vehicle operations to four new U.S. cities ahead of a broader public launch. This expansion marks a significant step in the company's strategy to deploy autonomous ride-hailing services.
Two teenagers in San Mateo, California, were apprehended after a Waymo driverless car they had engaged contacted police, reporting them for drinking and shooting a toy gun.
Waymo's autonomous vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in the United States, offering a cheaper, tip-free alternative to ride-sharing services like Uber, though they still encounter occasional operational difficulties.
Uber's recent Waymo detour is putting the stock's robotaxi bull case to the test, as the company navigates challenges and opportunities in autonomous vehicle technology.
A Waymo self-driving taxi was captured driving into oncoming traffic in Inglewood, California, amidst World Cup congestion, an incident that follows a recent recall of over 3,000 Waymo vehicles due to safety concerns.
Investor Ross Gerber has publicly stated that Waymo is 'way safer and better' than Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, raising doubts about Elon Musk's ability to catch up in autonomous driving technology.
Waymo has recalled its entire fleet of driverless vehicles after several robotaxis were reported to have driven into construction zones, prompting safety concerns.
Waymo has recalled approximately 3,900 of its robotaxi vehicles due to a software issue that caused some to drive into closed freeway construction zones, posing a safety risk. The recall was initiated after vehicles drove into freeway construction zones.
A thief reportedly used a Waymo autonomous vehicle as a getaway car, while in a separate incident, a police officer used an axe to rescue a driver from a submerged car. These events highlight unusual and critical situations involving vehicles.
Waymo is intensifying its efforts in self-driving car technology, a move that has significant implications for Google's parent company, Alphabet (GOOGL) stock.
A burglary suspect in Los Angeles managed to escape police by fleeing in a self-driving Waymo vehicle, with interior footage from the car already purged by the time authorities obtained a warrant.
Alphabet's Waymo is expanding its robotaxi fleet by opening its new, roomier Ojai vehicles to select riders, with the goal of lowering the cost of fleet expansion.
Waymo has temporarily halted some of its service offerings across the US, citing challenges related to adverse weather conditions and ongoing construction zones.
Waymo has temporarily suspended its robotaxi service in five US cities following incidents where vehicles, due to a software error, entered and became stuck in flooded roads.
Waymo is implementing measures to ensure underage riders are not using its robotaxis, which in some cases involves contacting riders to confirm their age, leading to some erroneous carding incidents.
Waymo's autonomous vehicles have reportedly become trapped in various neighborhoods across Atlanta. This incident highlights challenges faced by driverless car technology in navigating complex urban environments.
Waymo is under increasing scrutiny regarding passenger safety and espionage risks following a recall of 3,791 autonomous vehicles due to flood-related issues.
Waymo has issued a recall for thousands of its robotaxis due to a safety concern regarding their potential to enter flooded roads. This action follows an incident where a Waymo vehicle was swept into a creek.
Robotaxi operator Waymo has recalled nearly 3,800 vehicles due to concerns about their ability to safely navigate flooded roadways. The recall follows an incident involving a robotaxi in such conditions.
A passenger's first Waymo robotaxi ride at San Jose Mineta International Airport ended with the self-driving car departing with his suitcase still in the trunk, forcing him to board his flight without his belongings.
Waymo, Google's self-driving car company, has scaled its operations to 500,000 weekly rides and is now exploring a 'path of convergence' towards personal car ownership, according to Co-CEO Dmitri Dolgov.
Waymo, Alphabet's robotaxi service, is experiencing rapid growth, operating in multiple US cities with plans for global expansion, and this report details how to use it, its costs, and its crash record.
Autonomous taxi operator Waymo is reportedly taking steps to introduce its self-driving fleet to Toronto, Canada, as a new testing ground, though it anticipates facing various technological, political, and environmental challenges.
Autonomous vehicle fleets, including Apollo Go and Waymo, have experienced a "super-GAU" scenario where entire robotaxi fleets suddenly stopped due to a central error. The incident highlights the critical challenges and varied potential causes for such system failures in self-driving technology.
Waymo co-CEO Dmitri Dolgov stated that the company's driverless robotaxi technology will eventually be integrated into personal cars, particularly in areas where ride-hailing services are not commercially viable.
Waymo's co-chief executive, Tekedra Mawakana, is working to build public trust in the safety of driverless cars, acknowledging the challenges in gaining acceptance.
Alphabet has proposed a compensation package for its CEO valued at up to $692 million, which includes incentives tied to stock price performance and the Waymo autonomous driving unit.
A US agency is set to hold a forum focused on self-driving safety, bringing together the CEOs of prominent autonomous vehicle companies like Waymo, Zoox, and Aurora to discuss industry standards and future developments.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has stated that Waymo robotaxis were involved in new incidents where they illegally passed stopped school buses, raising concerns about autonomous vehicle safety.
Waymo, an autonomous vehicle company, reportedly failed an emergency test during a mass shooting incident in Austin, raising concerns about the safety and reliability of self-driving technology in critical situations.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has paused the statewide expansion of robotaxis to smaller cities, though Waymo retains its permit for testing autonomous vehicles in New York City.
Waymo unveils cheaper sixth-generation driverless technology, expanding robotaxi service to 20 new cities this year with improved sensors and reduced costs.
NY Gov. Kathy Hochul Kills Plan To Allow Robotaxi Operations Outside NYC
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has withdrawn a proposal that would allow commercial robotaxi pilot operations outside New York City limits without a human safety operator in the vehicle. The decision was first reported by Bloomberg News earlier Thursday and is a major setback for Waymo as it attempts a rapid US expansion this year.
Bloomberg reported:
The proposal, which Hochul had included in a policy preview she presented last month, would have allowed autonomous-vehicle companies such as Waymo to apply for permission to pilot their services without human operators in the vehicle. The decision to withdraw the plan was confirmed Thursday by the governor's office to Bloomberg News.
"While we are disappointed by the Governor's decision, we're committed to bringing our service to New York and will work with the state legislature to advance this issue," a Waymo spokesperson said in a statement provided to Bloomberg.
Last week, Waymo co-chief executive Tekedra Mawakana told Bloomberg TV that the Hochul administration showed interest in launching robotaxis.
Even if it were outside the NYC metro area, "that gives us an opportunity to grow more fans," Mawakana said, adding that some customers of the service have been requesting robotaxis within city boundaries.
To note, Waymo is currently testing in NYC, but it is not yet operating a driverless commercial robotaxi service. As of early 2026, its activity includes a small fleet with safety drivers in parts of Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn.
"We hear from thousands of New Yorkers who have experienced Waymo in other cities and want access to it at home," the Waymo spokesperson added. "They want the safety, privacy and comfort that riders in other major cities already enjoy."
Last month, Goldman analyst Eric Sheridan provided clients with an update on the North American autonomous-vehicle (AV) rideshare market, which is quickly gaining momentum. Read the report here.
"The rise in commercial autonomous vehicle deployments remains a key debate among investors and has continued to gain momentum throughout 2025. In the medium term, we believe that AV rideshare could represent a mid-single-digit percentage of total rideshare industry bookings," Sheridan said.
Current robotaxi operations
The lingering question: who persuaded Hochul to kill the robotaxi expansion proposal?
Tyler Durden
Thu, 02/19/2026 - 16:40