Waymo’s Driverless Cars Facing Door Problems
Waymo’s autonomous cars have become a marvel of technology, transporting passengers across six cities. However, this driverless future is not without its challenges. A recent issue has been discovered where these vehicles can be rendered immobile if a passenger accidentally leaves the door open.
A DoorDash driver shared their experience on Reddit, where they were offered $6.25 to drive less than a mile and close the door of a Waymo vehicle. After completing the task, they would receive an extra $5, leading to comments like, “You actually ‘door’ dashed.”
Waymo and DoorDash confirmed the legitimacy of this issue, stating that it is a real problem. In response to the situation, they have initiated a pilot program in Atlanta to enhance the efficiency of their autonomous vehicle fleet. In the rare event of a vehicle door being left ajar, nearby Dashers are notified to assist in closing the door and getting the vehicle back on the road swiftly.
The partnership between Waymo and DoorDash extends beyond just door-closing services. They recently launched an autonomous delivery service in Phoenix, where Waymo vehicles deliver food and groceries to DoorDash customers.
If a Waymo vehicle is unable to move due to a door being left open, it is worth it for the company to pay someone to close it. The vehicle cannot continue providing rides if it is immobile, and it could potentially disrupt traffic flow.
In Los Angeles, Waymo has also partnered with Honk, an app similar to Uber for towing services, to address door-related issues. Users in L.A. have been offered up to $24 to close a Waymo door, indicating the significance of this issue.
Waymo plans to implement automated door closures in their future vehicles. In the meantime, gig workers are essential in ensuring the smooth operation of their autonomous cars.
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