Waymo to update robotaxis after debacle

Alphabet unit Waymo said on Tuesday it will update software used to operate its self-driving vehicles and improve its emergency response protocols after its robotaxis stalled in parts of San Francisco on Saturday due to a widespread power outage that snarled traffic and gridlocked parts of the city.

- DAVID SHEPARDSON

People cross a street near Waymo driverless taxis in San Francisco on Dec 17.

(BLOOMBERG)

Waymo paused service Saturday evening following a fire at a PG&E substation that knocked out power to roughly one-third of the city, affecting about 130,000 residents and forcing some businesses to close temporarily.

A number of videos posted on social media showed Waymo robotaxis stuck at intersections with their hazard lights turned on as traffic lights stopped working due to the outage.