Waymo Halts Robo-Taxi Service in 6 Cities Due to Flooded Road Recognition Errors

Waymo suspended its robo-taxi service in several U.S. cities after autonomous vehicles malfunctioned in heavy rain and flooded road conditions. Incidents included vehicles entering flooded roads and being swept away by water, reigniting concerns over the safety of autonomous driving technology. Following an incident in San Antonio, Texas, where an unoccupied Waymo vehicle was swept into a river during heavy rain on April 20, the company initiated a voluntary recall of its 3,800-robo-taxi fleet.