Waymo Announces Voluntary Software Recall for Robotaxis Operating Around School Buses
Waymo, the Alphabet-owned company, has revealed its plans to voluntarily issue a software recall with federal safety regulators regarding how its robotaxis interact with school buses. This decision comes after increased scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and criticism from officials in Atlanta and Austin.
The voluntary software recall is set to be filed early next week, with Waymo having already updated its software on November 17 to address the identified issue. The company believes that this update has significantly enhanced the performance of its robotaxis, surpassing that of human drivers in this specific area.
Software recalls have become more common in the era of modern passenger vehicles and autonomous vehicles like robotaxis, where operations are controlled by software. These updates are often implemented before an official recall is announced, but they hold significance when reported to the federal government.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation initiated an investigation into Waymo in October following footage of its autonomous vehicle navigating around a stopped school bus in Atlanta. Similar incidents occurred in Austin, prompting the agency to request detailed information about Waymo’s self-driving system and operations.
In response to these incidents, Waymo Chief Safety Officer Mauricio Peña stated, “Holding the highest safety standards means recognizing when our behavior should be better.” As a result, the company has decided to file a voluntary software recall with NHTSA to address concerns related to slowing and stopping around school buses.
Despite no injuries being reported in connection with the vehicle behavior addressed by this recall, Waymo remains committed to prioritizing safety and continues to collaborate with NHTSA. The company pledges to conduct further investigations, monitor performance, and implement necessary updates to ensure continuous improvement.
This voluntary software recall is not the first for Waymo, as the company issued recalls earlier this year and in 2024. These proactive measures demonstrate Waymo’s dedication to enhancing the safety and reliability of its autonomous vehicles.
