Multiple Waymo robotaxis ended up halted in the heart of San Francisco roadways after a major electrical failure knocked out the area's signal lights. The company paused its passenger pickup operations across the city in reaction, yet social media posts with photos and footage captured the automated cabs stationary at crossings, their warning beacons activated.
Waymo representative Suzanne Philion shared with Engadget through email that the firm has paused its transport services throughout the San Francisco Bay Area amid the extensive electricity disruption. She noted that staff members are collaborating intensively with municipal authorities and expect to restart availability promptly.
A blaze at a Pacific Gas & Electric substation caused the electricity loss. PG&E reported the disruption started early Saturday and reached about 130,000 accounts. Come Sunday morning, the California utility announced repairs for nearly 110,000 of those, with teams addressing the rest for 21,000 in spots like the Presidio, Richmond District, Golden Gate Park, and select downtown San Francisco zones.
The Alphabet subsidiary has yet to detail the reason its robotic vehicles remained trapped on local thoroughfares during the blackout, an event that potentially exposes a weakness in its core navigation software. The firm's online description explains the system as interpreting cues including signal lamp states and interim halt markers, hinting at challenges posed by the malfunctioning illuminations. Separately, Tesla leader Elon Musk weighed in via X, asserting that the company's forthcoming automated rides evaded any effects from the local power disruption.