Post by : Badri Ariffin

Waymo, the autonomous vehicle enterprise under Google's parent company Alphabet, has unveiled a set of software and operational enhancements following a significant power outage that impacted its service in the San Francisco Bay Area over the weekend.

The blackout led to several of its self-driving cars being immobilized in traffic, prompting a temporary suspension of operations in the city. As traffic signals failed, it resulted in hazardous driving conditions, causing some Waymo vehicles to become stuck at intersections and in traffic lanes.

In response, Waymo is preparing to implement an updated software roll-out across its entire fleet. This upgrade will incorporate comprehensive data regarding power outages and infrastructure failures, enabling vehicles to better evaluate their environment and make more informed navigation decisions under challenging circumstances.

Along with these technical modifications, Waymo is enhancing its emergency response protocols for quicker coordination during disturbances. The company is also looking to broaden its collaboration with first responders, building upon existing training initiatives that have reached over 25,000 emergency personnel in the U.S. and around the globe.

During the outage, social media showcased videos of stranded Waymo vehicles obstructing lanes and intersections, intensifying congestion while traffic lights were inoperative. Drivers faced prolonged delays as the immobilized robotaxis worsened gridlock in various neighborhoods.

Waymo asserts that these new measures aim to enhance reliability and safety during extensive infrastructure breakdowns as the company continues to expand its autonomous ride-hailing services in key urban regions.

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