Waymo is taking a significant step by issuing a voluntary software recall concerning how its robotaxis interact with school buses. The company informed TechCrunch that this recall will be filed with federal safety regulators early next week. They first made adjustments to their software on November 17, which they believe have improved operations to be even safer than human drivers.
Software recalls are becoming increasingly common as vehicles, including robotaxis, rely heavily on technology. Often, companies will make updates before an official recall, but filing with the government is still an important measure.
This decision comes amid scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and concerns raised by officials in Atlanta and Austin. The NHTSA began investigating Waymo in October after footage surfaced of one of their robotaxis driving around a stopped school bus that had its stop sign extended and lights flashing in Atlanta. Rather alarmingly, the vehicle made a left turn directly in front of the bus while it was unloading children.
Similar incidents were reported in Austin, where Waymo also operates with Uber. Austin’s School District officials indicated that there were at least five incidents where the robotaxis ignored school bus signals, even after software updates were made.
The NHTSA sent a letter on December 3 requesting comprehensive details about Waymo’s self-driving technology, especially after reports emerged about 19 illegal passes of school buses this year. This heightened scrutiny highlights the regulatory environment surrounding autonomous vehicles, where safety remains a top priority.
Waymo’s Chief Safety Officer, Mauricio Peña, emphasized the company’s commitment to safety. He noted that while Waymo has a good safety record—experiencing twelve times fewer injury crashes involving pedestrians than human drivers—acknowledging areas for improvement is key to maintaining high safety standards.
Importantly, no injuries have been reported related to this specific software recall. Waymo reassures the public that they are dedicated to continual monitoring and enhancing their technology.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Waymo has acted proactively regarding software issues. Earlier this year and twice in 2024, the company also initiated recalls after incidents that warranted changes to their software protocols.
As autonomous vehicle technology evolves, so too does the need for constant updates and oversight. The incident underscores the importance of being vigilant and responsive in the fast-paced world of tech-driven transport solutions.
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autonomous vehicles,robotaxis,Waymo
