Waymo Robotaxi and Serve Robotics Bot Collide in Los Angeles
A Waymo autonomous taxi and a Serve Robotics delivery robot collided in a Los Angeles intersection. The incident, captured on video, shows the Serve bot crossing the street and attempting to mount the sidewalk when the Waymo, making a right turn, struck it. While the video suggests the bot may have run a red light, this remains unclear. See how other autonomous vehicles are performing.
Waymo stated its autonomous driving system identified the robot as an inanimate object and reacted accordingly. The system is designed for cautious driving, prioritizing safety based on available information. It's programmed to exercise more caution around pedestrians and children than inanimate objects. The Waymo reportedly braked hard before impact, hitting the robot at 4 mph. Neither vehicle sustained damage, and they separated after a brief pause. This incident raises questions about liability in autonomous vehicle collisions. Learn more about the challenges facing autonomous technology.
Incident Response and Future Implications
Waymo's collision response involves notifying its Fleet Response and Rider Support teams. The former assesses the scene remotely and dispatches assistance if necessary, while the latter checks on passengers and contacts first responders if needed. In this case, the Waymo was unoccupied. Serve Robotics confirmed this was its first collision with a robotaxi and that the bot was under remote supervision, a standard practice for intersection crossings. Both companies have been in contact to prevent future incidents. Explore the challenges of integrating robots into our daily lives.