Federal highway safety officials announced Thursday that Waymo is pulling back 3,871 of its self-driving robotaxis across the United States after discovering a software problem that could send the vehicles into closed freeway construction zones while continuing to travel at full speed.
The recall involves specific Fifth Generation Automated Driving Systems used in the company’s robotaxi fleet.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Waymo has already taken steps to limit where its vehicles can operate, specifically restricting them from driving on freeways while the issue is being addressed.
As a permanent fix, Waymo plans to roll out an updated software version for the Automated Driving System that will allow the vehicles to better identify their location and steer clear of construction zones. The update will be provided free of charge, the agency confirmed.
