Waymo Baby Delivery: Birth in Self-Driving Car

Unexpected Delivery: Birth in a Waymo Robotaxi

In a surprising turn of events, a pregnant woman delivered a baby inside a Waymo robotaxi in San Francisco on Monday evening. The destination was UCSF Medical Center, adding a unique chapter to the ongoing story of driverless vehicles.

The incident highlights an unforeseen scenario in the development of autonomous transportation. It’s a milestone that, while unexpected, perhaps wasn’t entirely surprising to those familiar with the realities of ride-sharing.

Waymo's Response and Emergency Services

Waymo's remote monitoring team identified “irregular activity” within the vehicle and immediately contacted 911. However, the robotaxi successfully reached the hospital before emergency responders could arrive.

A Timeless Tradition in a Modern Setting

The event echoes a long-standing phenomenon. For years, expectant mothers have been in a race against labor while traveling to hospitals in taxis and ride-share services across the globe.

Instances of births occurring in transit are well-documented. A mother in India famously named her son Uber following his delivery during a ride. Similarly, a California couple welcomed a child in an Uber in 2017, even playfully considering the name Uber themselves.

Automation and a Phoenix Precedent

Now, Silicon Valley has introduced a degree of automation to this age-old experience. The Waymo vehicle involved in the San Francisco birth was subsequently taken for thorough cleaning.

Interestingly, this wasn’t Waymo’s first experience with a delivery. A previous birth occurred in a Waymo vehicle operating in Phoenix, Arizona.

A Waymo spokesperson commented on the rarity of the event, stating, “Although these situations are uncommon, it appears some of our newest passengers are eager to experience their initial Waymo journey.”