Alphabet’s self-driving unit, Waymo, announced it will update its software following an incident in San Francisco over the weekend. During a major power outage, Waymo vehicles stalled and created significant traffic jams. Social media videos captured multiple autonomous cars stopped with hazard lights flashing, leading to substantial traffic backups.
The company explained that its cars are designed to handle standard signal outages, such as four-way stops. However, the sheer scale of the regional power failure caused a surge in requests for remote confirmation. This surge overwhelmed the system, resulting in the delays and stalled vehicles.
In response, Waymo is implementing two key changes. The company is working to provide its software with more information about the context of regional power outages, allowing for more decisive navigation. Waymo is also updating its emergency response protocols in coordination with city officials.