Pregnant Woman Gives Birth in Waymo Robotaxi on the Way to Hospital
A remarkable incident took place in San Francisco where a pregnant woman gave birth inside a Waymo robotaxi while en route to UCSF Medical Center. This unexpected event has become the latest milestone in the driverless car industry, surprising many except those familiar with the chaotic nature of ride-share vehicles.
The SF Standard reported that Waymo’s remote team detected “unusual activity” and promptly called 911, although the robotaxi managed to reach the hospital before emergency services arrived.
It seems that some traditions are unchangeable. For years, expectant mothers have found themselves in urgent situations in the back seats of taxis and Ubers around the world. There was the memorable case of a mother in India who named her son Uber after delivering him in an Uber on the way to the hospital, with the driver even assisting in the birth. Similarly, a California couple welcomed their baby in an Uber during Shabbat. The father humorously considered naming the baby Uber, highlighting the unconventional situations that can arise during rideshare journeys.
These stories are just the beginning. Now, Silicon Valley has automated part of the childbirth experience with the introduction of driverless vehicles.
Following the incident in San Francisco, the Waymo vehicle was promptly taken for cleaning. Interestingly, this was not the first time Waymo has witnessed a birth in one of its vehicles, as a baby in Phoenix beat the San Francisco baby to the punch. A Waymo spokesperson remarked on the rarity of such occurrences, stating that some of their newest riders simply can’t wait to experience their first Waymo ride.
