By Hafiz Rahat Usama 
Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle subsidiary, Waymo, has issued a recall for 1,212 of its self-driving cars following a software glitch in its fifth-generation Automated Driving System (ADS). The defect led to several collisions with stationary or semi-stationary barriers, such as gates and chains, between December 2022 and April 2024. While no injuries were reported, the incidents prompted scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is currently investigating the safety of Waymo’s robotaxis.
Nature of the Software Glitch
The software issue caused Waymo’s vehicles to misidentify certain obstacles, resulting in collisions. In response, Waymo deployed its sixth-generation ADS software, which was fully implemented by December 2024. The company claims that the new software has resolved the issue and that all affected vehicles have been updated accordingly.
Previous Recalls and Regulatory Scrutiny
This recall is the third of its kind within a year for Waymo. In February 2024, the company recalled over 400 vehicles after two of its cars collided with a towed pickup truck in Phoenix. In June 2024, another recall was issued for nearly 700 vehicles following a collision with a wooden utility pole. These incidents have drawn increased regulatory attention, with the NHTSA investigating multiple reports of unsafe or unexpected behavior by Waymo’s robotaxis.
Waymo’s Safety Record and Future Plans
Despite these setbacks, Waymo maintains that its autonomous vehicles are significantly safer than human drivers. The company reports 81% fewer injury-causing crashes based on data from millions of miles driven in Phoenix and San Francisco. Waymo continues to expand its robotaxi services, recently extending its service area in Phoenix to cover 315 square miles.
Looking ahead, Waymo plans to expand its fleet into new cities like Atlanta and Miami while continuing its mission to enhance road safety through autonomous vehicle technology.
Conclusion
The recent recall underscores the challenges faced by companies developing autonomous vehicle technology. While Waymo continues to make strides in improving the safety and reliability of its self-driving cars, the incidents highlight the complexities involved in deploying such advanced systems on public roads. The ongoing investigations and recalls serve as a reminder of the need for rigorous testing and continuous improvement in the development of autonomous vehicle technology.