Waymo Robotaxi and Serve Robot Collision in Los Angeles

Robotaxi and Delivery Robot Collision in Los Angeles

A recent incident in Los Angeles involved a collision between a Waymo robotaxi and a Serve Robotics sidewalk delivery robot, as documented in a video circulating on social media platforms.

The video footage depicts the Serve robot attempting to navigate a street in West Hollywood during nighttime hours, aiming to reach the sidewalk. After reaching the curb, it briefly reversed to adjust its position before proceeding towards the ramp. At this moment, a Waymo vehicle, while executing a right turn, made contact with the delivery robot.

The individual who shared the video suggested the Serve robot may have disregarded a red light prior to the impact, although this detail isn't definitively visible in the available footage.

Social Media Reaction and Waymo's Response

A comment on Reddit humorously pointed out the potential for autonomous systems to misinterpret non-human objects: “Waymo computers: ‘Doesn’t appear to be a human or animal.’ ‘No life form detected’ BAM!”

This observation, while made in jest, highlights a relevant consideration. Waymo confirmed to TechCrunch that its Driver system accurately identified the delivery robot as an inanimate object.

The Waymo Driver is engineered to function as a cautious and defensive driver, prioritizing the safest possible route based on available information. Its ability to categorize and differentiate between various road users and objects directly influences its operational behavior.

For instance, the system is programmed to exhibit increased caution around vulnerable road users like children and pedestrians.

Details of the Collision

It’s important to note that the Waymo Driver doesn’t simply disregard inanimate objects. In this particular case, the delivery robot had paused at the curb just as the Waymo robotaxi was entering the intersection.

According to a Waymo spokesperson, the robotaxi applied significant braking before making contact with the delivery robot, with an impact speed of approximately 4 miles per hour.

Fortunately, neither autonomous vehicle sustained damage. The two robots remained briefly connected before independently continuing on their respective routes.

Liability and Future Considerations

As the number of autonomous vehicles operating on public roads increases, questions arise regarding liability in the event of collisions. Determining which robot – and consequently, which company – bears responsibility for damages becomes a crucial issue.

Waymo’s established protocol, as previously shared with TechCrunch, involves the Waymo Driver automatically notifying the company’s Fleet Response and Rider Support teams upon collision detection.

The Fleet Response team remotely assesses the situation and dispatches roadside assistance if necessary. Simultaneously, the Rider Support team evaluates the status of any passengers and contacts emergency services if required.

In this specific incident, the Waymo robotaxi was unoccupied. It remains unclear whether the Fleet Response team was alerted to the collision or if either vehicle required remote human intervention to resolve the situation.

Serve Robotics' Perspective

A Serve spokesperson informed TechCrunch that this marks the first instance of one of their robots colliding with a robotaxi. They also confirmed that the robot was under remote supervisory control at the time of the incident, consistent with Serve’s current operational procedures for navigating intersections.

TechCrunch’s attempts to obtain more definitive answers from Waymo and Serve regarding liability in future incidents resulting in greater damage proved unsuccessful. However, representatives from both companies have affirmed ongoing communication to prevent similar occurrences.