Power outage paralyzes Waymo robotaxis when traffic lights go out

A significant power outage in San Francisco over the weekend left approximately one-third of the city without electricity, causing traffic chaos and stranding Waymo's self-driving cars at intersections. The vehicles were unable to detect traffic signals, leading to the suspension of Waymo's autonomous vehicle service in the area. Fortunately, no accidents or injuries were reported during this disruption.
This incident highlights the vulnerabilities of autonomous vehicle technology, particularly in urban environments where reliance on infrastructure such as traffic lights is critical. The temporary suspension of Waymo's services raises questions about the robustness of self-driving systems in the face of unforeseen challenges like power outages.
The power outage incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicles, especially as Waymo has faced scrutiny over previous incidents involving erratic behavior and recalls. As the company expands its services to new cities, the need for dependable technology that can operate under various conditions becomes increasingly important, reflecting broader debates about the future of autonomous transportation.

Power outage paralyzes Waymo robotaxis when traffic lights go out