The highest US auto security regulator on Tuesday mentioned it had opened an investigation into Google-owned Waymo after studies of twenty-two incidents with its self-driving know-how.
The Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration’s (NHTSA) Workplace of Defects Investigation mentioned the issues passed off in autos outfitted with Waymo’s fifth era automated driving system.
The preliminary probe into the robotaxi firm will cowl the agency’s 444 autos, in keeping with paperwork posted on the company’s web site.
Waymo autos can be found to prospects in San Francisco and Phoenix, with Los Angeles and Austin anticipated to return on-line subsequent.
The NHTSA mentioned studies included “collisions with stationary and semi-stationary objects similar to gates and chains, collisions with parked autos, and cases wherein the vehicles appeared to disobey visitors security management gadgets.”
The investigation will consider the know-how’s means to keep away from collisions with objects and autos, the workplace mentioned.
The NHTSA on Monday opened the same inquest into Amazon-owned Zoox after receiving two studies that the corporate’s autonomously-operated Toyota Highlanders have been rear-ended after they pulled on the brakes too shortly.
Zoox has been testing its robotaxis in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Foster Metropolis, California.
Earlier this yr, Zoox expanded its deployment to incorporate quicker speeds, nighttime driving and driving in gentle rain circumstances.
The NHTSA has additionally launched probes into Ford and Tesla because it investigates the broader deployment of autonomous know-how.
GM subsidiary Cruise in April mentioned it plans to get its self-driving vehicles again on the street after suspending robotaxi service late final yr as a consequence of security considerations.
