Waymo Robotaxi Stuck in Roundabout Loop - Details

Waymo Robotaxi Encountered Difficulty Navigating a Roundabout

Roundabouts have proven challenging for both human drivers, as famously depicted in “National Lampoon’s European Vacation,” and now, for autonomous vehicles like the Waymo robotaxi.

A recent video shared across social media platforms depicts a Waymo vehicle repeatedly circling a roundabout, appearing to be unable to exit.

According to a Waymo representative who spoke with TechCrunch, the vehicle was unoccupied at the time of the incident.

The company has since resolved the issue through the implementation of a software update distributed to its entire fleet of robotaxis.

Seeking Further Explanation

TechCrunch has formally requested additional details from Waymo concerning the specific algorithmic reasoning behind this unusual behavior.

We are also seeking information on the methods engineers employed to rectify this particular navigational challenge.

Increased Instances of Unusual Robotaxi Behavior

Over the past year, recordings of atypical robotaxi actions have become increasingly common, especially within San Francisco.

San Francisco serves as a central location for the development and testing of autonomous vehicle technology.

For example, a resident of San Francisco previously established a live stream documenting Waymo vehicles repeatedly sounding their horns throughout the night in a nearby parking area.

This incident highlights the ongoing complexities in achieving fully autonomous navigation in real-world urban environments.