A self-driving taxi operated by Waymo passed through a police high-risk stop, ignoring both their requests and visual signals. According to Jalopnik, the autonomous system failed to detect the danger, causing the vehicle to move into a police standoff with armed officers.
How the robotaxi ended up in a dangerous zone
Witnesses recorded a video of a self-driving Waymo Jaguar I-Pace turning and entering an intersection blocked by police, who were detaining the driver of a pickup truck. Despite flashing emergency lights, the taxi continued moving with passengers inside, slowing down only several seconds later.
The system activated the right blinker, seemingly attempting to stop; however, it failed to comply with police requests without a driver.
Why the system failed
According to Waymo, the company encountered a rare scenario beyond usual traffic conditions. The algorithm was not programmed to handle armed operations and the presence of police officers during a detainment. The company emphasized that such cases are used to train and improve the system.
Los Angeles Police Department’s position
The LAPD stated that the robotaxi did not affect the operation. The intersection was temporarily closed after the incident, as is standard procedure in such situations. Police also noted that the department continues to develop requirements for correct robotaxi responses in similar scenarios.
The incident demonstrates that self-driving taxis must be capable of navigating difficult situations involving security forces.
Previously, Kursiv Cars reported on the launch of a fully unmanned self-driving taxi service in Guangzhou, China. Separately, a similar service is planned for testing in Kazakhstan in 2027.
