FYI: A software glitch in a Waymo driverless taxi left a Los Angeles tech entrepreneur stuck circling a parking lot, illustrating challenges for autonomous vehicle operations.
Los Angeles Automation Woes: Another Driverless Dilemma
In a growing list of challenges for driverless cars, Waymo—Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle initiative—faced a hiccup in Los Angeles that nearly derailed a traveler’s journey. Tech entrepreneur Mike Johns found himself trapped in an endless loop when his Waymo vehicle circled a Los Angeles parking lot incessantly, almost causing him to miss a flight.
Waymo’s Circling Drama
The incident, which caught public attention via a video Johns posted on LinkedIn, showcases him in the back seat of the autonomous vehicle, communicating with Waymo’s customer support. Despite his escalating concern about the car’s erratic behavior, he felt stuck and "in a movie" when the vehicle didn’t respond to commands. The video has attracted considerable attention, adding fuel to the debate around the reliability of driverless cars.
Reassurances and Criticisms
After several tense minutes, Waymo’s support managed to regain control over the vehicle. Fortunately, Johns did manage to board his flight just in time. Speaking to CBS News, Johns critiqued Waymo’s response, noting a lack of empathy and suggesting an uncomfortably mechanized interaction that left him questioning the human element in such tech-driven services.
Public Reaction and Corporate Response
While the vehicle’s odd behavior was attributed to a software glitch, Waymo explained that the situation is under review and reached out to Johns via voicemail. Notably, he wasn’t charged for the problematic ride.
The incident joins a recent series of technical stumbles from the autonomous division, including a thwarted car theft in downtown LA and another driverless vehicle found circling empty on a different occasion. These challenges underscore the complexities inherent in transitioning to a driverless future.
Looking Ahead: Waymo’s Path Forward
Johns expressed his hope for Waymo’s eventual success but insists on holding off further use until noticeable improvements are made. He emphasized the importance of blending technological advancement with humane customer interaction.
This episode shines a spotlight on the broader concerns surrounding autonomous vehicles as they edge towards mainstream adoption. Manufacturers are tasked with not only perfecting their technology but also ensuring that their support systems reflect empathy and efficiency.
For more insights and updates, reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi, or on Twitter @automotivefyi.
Conclusion: Navigating the Future
Autonomous vehicles promise a revolution in transport, but as this situation illustrates, innovation comes with hurdles that need addressing. Improving reliability and the human element in tech services remains crucial as the industry strides forward.
Authored by Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
