Driverless transportation company Waymo has issued a software recall of its vehicle fleet following an incident last month during flooding in San Antonio. The Waymo vehicle was swept up in flood waters and washed into Salado Creek during heavy rains on April 20. The car was unoccupied and no one was injured in the incident. The recall notice said while the vehicle detected the flooded road, it continued on its path and proceeded at a reduced speed. The company issued the recall of nearly 3,800 fifth- and sixth-generation vehicles to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Waymo said a remedy is currently under development. However, it has already modified the scope of vehicle operations to increase weather-related constraints. In an earlier incident that occurred earlier in April, another Waymo vehicle became stranded in floodwaters near McCullough Avenue and Contour Drive. Both cars were unoccupied, and no one was injured in either incident. The recall affects the entire fleet of Waymo autonomous vehicles, including ones in Houston. Though the company paused its services in San Antonio, a spokesperson said the recall will not disrupt service in Houston. RELATED: Waymo is officially giving rides to Houstonians in fully self-driving cars Waymo previously said it would reevaluate how its vehicles respond to flood-prone areas and severe weather alerts before restarting service. The back-to-back flood incidents also underscored how quickly changing weather conditions in San Antonio can challenge autonomous vehicle technology. At the same time, Waymo is expanding its services in Houston to encompass nearly 50 square miles, a spokesperson said on Wednesday. Waymo robotaxis will now be able to drive to East Downtown, the Medical Center, and NRG Park. Waymo is also expanding in several other cities, including Austin, Atlanta, and San Francisco, beginning Wednesday. Part of this, the company says, is working
May 14, 2026 · via houstonpublicmedia.org
Waymo is recalling nearly 3,800 autonomous taxis in the United States after identifying a safety issue involving flooded roads during severe weather conditions. The issue came to light after one of Waymo’s autonomous vehicles reportedly drove into a flooded lane in San Antonio, Texas, during intense rainfall in April. According to the company, the vehicle was unoccupied at the time, and no injuries occurred. Even without injuries, the incident immediately raised concerns about how autonomous systems interpret dangerous road conditions during extreme weather. Flooding remains one of the most unpredictable hazards for both human drivers and self-driving technology, especially when water depth and road visibility rapidly change. Waymo says it has already implemented temporary safeguards while developing a permanent software fix. Regulators are also closely monitoring the situation as scrutiny surrounding autonomous vehicle safety continues to increase across the industry. Flooded Roads Exposed A Weakness In The System According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration filings, the recall specifically targets scenarios where Waymo vehicles could potentially enter flooded roads with higher speed limits. The April incident in San Antonio prompted the company to review how its software handles similar situations involving standing water, fast-moving traffic, and limited route alternatives. Severe weather can create conditions where lane markings, curbs, and road edges become difficult for sensors and cameras to interpret accurately. Waymo stated that it is now refining its “extreme weather operations” while limiting vehicle access to areas where flash flooding may occur. The company has also updated portions of its operating maps and temporarily reduced the geographic scope of service in certain conditions. Unlike traditional recalls involving physical defects, this recall focuses entirely on software behavior and operational safety protocols. That has become increasingly common as modern autonomous vehicles rely heavily on constantly evolving software systems. Autonomous Driving Still Struggles
May 14, 2026 · via autos.yahoo.com
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May 14, 2026 · via youtube.com
Waymo is recalling 3,791 vehicles after one of the company’s driverless cars was washed away during flash flooding in San Antonio last month. Waymo filed to recall vehicles installed with its fifth and sixth generation automated driving system on May 6 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The California-based company started pulling vehicles off the road on April 24. “On higher speed roadways, the Waymo [autonomous vehicle] may slow but not stop in response to detecting a potentially untraversable flooded lane,” Waymo said in its filing with the NHTSA. The company updated its vehicle maps and increased “weather-related operational controls,” according to the filing. It has also stopped serving riders in San Antonio, though its autonomous vehicles are still operating in the area, according to Waymo communications manager Chris Bonelli. “We are working to implement additional software safeguards and have put mitigations in place, including refining our extreme weather operations during periods of intense rain, limiting access to areas where flash flooding might occur,” said a statement from the company. Waymo lost one of its driverless cars on April 20 after it entered a flooded lane near Salado Creek and was swept into the nearby waterway. There were no passengers and no one was injured, according to Bonelli. “An unoccupied Waymo [autonomous vehicle encountered an untraversable flooded section of a roadway that has a 40 mph speed limit. The Waymo AV detected potentially untraversable flood water and proceeded at reduced speed,” Waymo officials said in their filing with the NHTSA. Waymo started serving San Antonio riders earlier this year via its mobile app and had just started driving passengers to San Antonio International Airport. Bonelli said customers would be notified when Waymo resumes passenger service in San Antonio.
May 13, 2026 · via sanantonioreport.org
Driverless transportation company Waymo has issued a software recall of its vehicle fleet following an incident last month during flooding in San Antonio. The Waymo vehicle was swept up in flood waters and washed into Salado Creek during heavy rains on April 20. The car was unoccupied and no one was injured in the incident. The recall notice said while the vehicle detected the flooded road, it continued on its path and proceeded at a reduced speed. The company issued the recall of nearly 3,800 fifth- and sixth-generation vehicles to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Waymo said a remedy is currently under development. However, it has already modified the scope of vehicle operations to increase weather-related constraints. In an earlier incident that occurred earlier in April, another Waymo vehicle became stranded in floodwaters near McCullough Avenue and Contour Drive. Both cars were unoccupied, and no one was injured in either incident. The recall affects the entire fleet of Waymo autonomous vehicles, including ones in Houston. Though the company paused its services in San Antonio, a spokesperson said the recall will not disrupt service in Houston. RELATED: Waymo is officially giving rides to Houstonians in fully self-driving cars Waymo previously said it would reevaluate how its vehicles respond to flood-prone areas and severe weather alerts before restarting service. The back-to-back flood incidents also underscored how quickly changing weather conditions in San Antonio can challenge autonomous vehicle technology. At the same time, Waymo is expanding its services in Houston to encompass nearly 50 square miles, a spokesperson said on Wednesday. Waymo robotaxis will now be able to drive to East Downtown, the Medical Center, and NRG Park. Waymo is also expanding in several other cities, including Austin, Atlanta, and San Francisco, beginning Wednesday. Part of this, the company says, is working
May 13, 2026 · via houstonpublicmedia.org
Driverless transportation company Waymo has issued a software recall of its vehicle fleet following an incident last month during flooding in San Antonio. The Waymo vehicle was swept up in flood waters and washed into Salado Creek during heavy rains on April 20. The car was unoccupied and no one was injured in the incident. The recall notice said while the vehicle detected the flooded road, it continued on its path and proceeded at a reduced speed. The company issued the recall of nearly 3,800 fifth- and sixth-generation vehicles to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Waymo said a remedy is currently under development. However, it has already modified the scope of vehicle operations to increase weather-related constraints. In an earlier incident that occurred earlier in April, another Waymo vehicle became stranded in floodwaters near McCullough Avenue and Contour Drive. Both cars were unoccupied, and no one was injured in either incident. The recall affects the entire fleet of Waymo autonomous vehicles, including ones in Houston. Though the company paused its services in San Antonio, a spokesperson said the recall will not disrupt service in Houston. RELATED: Waymo is officially giving rides to Houstonians in fully self-driving cars Waymo previously said it would reevaluate how its vehicles respond to flood-prone areas and severe weather alerts before restarting service. The back-to-back flood incidents also underscored how quickly changing weather conditions in San Antonio can challenge autonomous vehicle technology. At the same time, Waymo is expanding its services in Houston to encompass nearly 50 square miles, a spokesperson said on Wednesday. Waymo robotaxis will now be able to drive to East Downtown, the Medical Center, and NRG Park. Waymo is also expanding in several other cities, including Austin, Atlanta, and San Francisco, beginning Wednesday. Part of this, the company says, is working
May 13, 2026 · via houstonpublicmedia.org
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May 13, 2026 · via houstonchronicle.com
With the closure of the parking garage underneath City Hall, Alexandria is working on several creative solutions for a growing problem — parking in the heart of Old Town. As the 180-space Market Square Garage underneath City Hall is unavailable, city staff are revamping a program to get long-term parkers off the street by offering parking discounts after 4 p.m. The city is also working to update its business discount parking program, which is open to as many as 90 spaces at the Courthouse Square Garage (111 S. Pitt Street), according to a presentation before City Council on Tuesday night. “The discount parking program for Old Town businesses has been in place for several years, but we are in the midst of revamping it,” city planner Max Devilliers told City Council. “Employees of these businesses can park in the Courthouse garage for a total of just $1 after 4 p.m. on weekdays and all day, weekends and holidays. We are working to make this easier to administer through the use of a pre-loaded access card, and then we’ll heavily advertise a program to further encourage employees park off-street.” Mayor Alyia Gaskins asked staff to return with a more concrete plan on the Courthouse garage proposal before City Council goes on its summer recess in July. She also asked staff to explore some form of agreement with private parking garages around Old Town. “I’m just trying to figure out how to get people, particularly employees, who are there for multiple hours and can’t turn over their cars during the day,” Gaskins said. “This is where the private garages will be really important.” City staff are also working on a citywide digital curb inventory (CDS) to track parking activity and prepare for autonomous vehicles. “CDS is also part of an autonomous vehicle
May 13, 2026 · via alxnow.com
Council can't control Waymo in Philadelphia; what do they control? As self-driving Waymo vehicles continue to kick off in cities across the U.S., councilmembers in Philadelphia have a lot of questions before welcoming them to the City of Brotherly Love anytime soon; but does Philly even have the power to stop them? In a May 12 Joint Committee meeting with Labor/Civil Service and Transportation/Public Utilities Committees, city representatives fired a number of questions at Anna Kelly, senior policy adviser for electric vehicles and parking for the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems. Questions included how officers can ticket driverless vehicles that commit traffic violations, what the cost benefit is for autonomous vehicles in Philly and if the city has any power above the state to stop Waymos and other driverless vehicles from coming to city streets. Who controls driverless vehicles in Philadelphia? Who is in charge of Waymos in Philly? While the state's Public Utility Commission and the Philadelphia Parking Authority have some oversight regarding the commercial licensing of driverless or autonomous vehicles, the city doesn't have any meaningful control over their actual deployment. This means that despite council concerns, Philadelphia can't actually stop Waymo from operating in the city or picking up city residents or visitors. Here's why: Under Pennsylvania's 2022 Act 130, PennDOT has primary regulatory control over autonomous vehicles in the state, including in Philadelphia. This act allows autonomous commercial vehicles to operate throughout Pennsylvania with or without a driver, and it also bars municipalities like Philadelphia from creating their own bans or regulations. Can City Council stop Waymo from coming to Philly? In short, there is nothing immediate or simple that the city can do to prevent autonomous vehicles from operating on Philadelphia's streets. The control of autonomous vehicles in Philadelphia isn't fully up-to the city.
May 13, 2026 · via usatoday.com
Hyundai Motor Group to test AI-driven autonomous vehicles in Gwangju Published: 13 May. 2026, 15:38 Updated: 13 May. 2026, 15:50 Hyundai Motor Group said Wednesday it will join a government-led autonomous vehicle demonstration project in the southwestern city of Gwangju to test and advance its mobility solutions. Hyundai Motor and Kia signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Gwangju city government and mobility startups, including Autonomous A2Z and Ride Flux, during a ceremony in Gwangju, about 270 kilometers (167 miles) southwest of Seoul. Under the agreement, the two automakers will develop around 200 autonomous vehicles based on the Ioniq 5 electric vehicle and operate autonomous mobility services in Gwangju, including vehicle dispatching and fleet control. Atria AI, an autonomous driving software developed by Hyundai Motor's subsidiary, 42dot, will analyze road-driving data collected through the program to help test and improve autonomous driving capabilities. The project aims to achieve technology equivalent to Level 4 autonomous driving, in which vehicles can handle all driving tasks within designated areas without human intervention. The government said it will support the project by easing regulations and providing policy support packages aimed at turning Gwangju into a special zone for autonomous vehicles. "We cannot afford to fall behind autonomous driving front-runners, such as the United States and China," Transport Minister Kim Yun-duk said, outlining the government's vision of making Korea one of the world's top three players in autonomous mobility solutions. Yonhap with the Korea JoongAng Daily To write comments, please log in to one of the accounts. Standards Board Policy (0/250자)
May 13, 2026 · via koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
Images and video available for use with credit can be found here. Woods Hole, Mass. (May 13, 2026)—Researchers have developed an autonomous system for seeking out and mapping hotspots of biodiversity on coral reefs with unprecedented precision, offering a powerful new tool for studying and protecting some of the ocean’s most valuable ecosystems. The work, published in Science Robotics demonstrates how combining audio and visual data in a single autonomous system can reveal where marine life concentrates and why. The researchers used CUREE (the Curious Underwater Robot for Ecosystem Exploration), a robotic vehicle developed as a part of the WHOI Reef Solutions Initiative, and combined CUREE’s cameras, hydrophones, and powerful on-board computers to analyze audio and visual signals in real-time, enabling it to autonomously identify areas of higher biological activity at unprecedented resolution. Their work combines different types of observations—direct (mapping audio and visual detection of animals) and indirect (what can be inferred from environmental soundscapes or behavior of sentinel species)—to identify where biological hotspots are most likely to be located. The system represents a breakthrough in the ability to identify, map, and monitor the fine-scale structure of reef biodiversity, a key part of understanding reef health and resilience. “We know that biodiversity on reefs isn’t distributed uniformly,” said Seth McCammon, a WHOI roboticist and lead author of the study. “But until now we haven’t really been able to reliably quantify that by finding these patchy hotspots, mapping them at the centimeter scale, and measuring just how active they really are. Developing this capability is going to be critical to helping biologists get a deeper understanding of reef ecology moving forward.” Coral reefs, which occupy less than 0.01% of the ocean, yet support roughly one quarter of all marine species, are under mounting stress from warming ocean water, disease, overfishing,
May 13, 2026 · via newswise.com
Waymo recalls entire fleet. What it means for new service in Nashville Waymo's latest recall could cause some Tennesseans to second-guess the ride-sharing service. - Waymo is recalling its entire U.S. fleet of 3,791 autonomous vehicles due to a software flaw. - The recall was prompted by an incident where an unoccupied vehicle drove into a flooded road. Waymo is recalling thousands of its autonomous vehicles due to a dangerous software issue. The Alphabet Inc. (Google’s parent company) subsidiary and autonomous ride-sharing service have recently made headlines for several mishaps that created strange and potentially hazardous conditions for motorists, pedestrians, and riders. Waymo's latest operational issue is leading to its largest recall of 2026 thus far. Here's what Nashville residents need to know about Waymo's latest recall and how it impacts Music City. Why are Waymo autonomous vehicles being recalled? Waymo vehicles are being recalled following an April 20 incident in San Antonio, Texas, where an unoccupied Waymo entered a flooded road going 40 miles per hour. After reviewing the incident, Waymo determined that vehicles with the 5th and 6th-Generation Automated Driving System (ADS) should be recalled. The company is recalling the entire U.S. fleet, 3,791 vehicles, because of a software flaw that could allow vehicles to drive into floodwater after detecting it. There have been no injuries or crashes involving other vehicles related to this specific software flaw. "We are working to implement additional software safeguards and have put mitigations in place, including refining our extreme weather operations during periods of intense rain, limiting access to areas where flash flooding might occur," Waymo said in a statement to Reuters. How Waymo is addressing the floodwater software flaw - An over-the-air (OTA) software update for the entire fleet - Active development of a long-term software fix - Limitations on service
May 13, 2026 · via columbiadailyherald.com
TOKYO, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- TIER IV, the pioneering force behind open-source software for autonomous driving, has launched the MP camera series, an automotive-grade lineup engineered for advanced autonomous driving systems. Supplementing TIER IV's current lineup of cameras built with hard-to-source automotive-grade components, the new series meets the stringent quality requirements of production vehicles and is available at scale. Key features - Level 4 optimized: Proprietary image optimization and flexible camera control deliver high-fidelity visual data essential for driverless operations. - Autoware compatible: Seamless integration with Autoware, open-source software for autonomous driving, reduces system development time. - Mass-production scale: Manufacturing and quality control managed by a partner with proven automotive experience ensures stable and scalable supply. The MP camera series launches with the following three models, with more to be introduced in phases: - C1 Camera C1-195 MP - C2 Camera C2-030 MP - C2 Camera C2-062 MP Designed to significantly reduce the time and cost of autonomous driving system development, TIER IV's camera lineup is built for a wide range of imaging applications. In collaboration with partners, including ADLINK, Connect Tech, Neousys and EUREKA, a provider of solutions for construction machinery, TIER IV aims to accelerate the deployment of image recognition and remote monitoring technology in public transportation, logistics, construction machinery, agricultural equipment and other specialized domains. Purchase inquiries AISAN TECHNOLOGY https://aisan-mobility.com/en/lineup/c1/ Digiflec https://digiflec.com/tier-iv/ About TIER IV TIER IV stands at the forefront of deep tech innovation, pioneering Autoware, open-source software for autonomous driving. With a comprehensive suite of platforms and services built around Autoware, TIER IV provides everything from software development and vehicle procurement to operational support. Through the Autoware ecosystem, TIER IV works with partners worldwide to shape the future of intelligent vehicles with open-source software, aiming to create mobility that is safer, more sustainable, and
May 13, 2026 · via prnewswire.com
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May 13, 2026 · via expressnews.com
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport officially launched Team Korea for Autonomous Driving, a public-private partnership aimed at making Gwangju the country's first citywide testbed for self-driving vehicles. The launch ceremony, held Wednesday at Kimdaejung Convention Center in the southwestern city, included the signing of a memorandum of understanding by all participating entities and the public unveiling of dedicated autonomous driving vehicles. Under the initiative, 200 software-defined vehicles (SDVs) built by Hyundai Motor will be deployed across Gwangju's 500-square-kilometer urban area beginning in June. Autonomous driving firms Autonomous A2Z and RideFlux will install sensors and software on the vehicles and begin real-world testing after completing safety verification procedures. The project follows a cycle of driving data collection, artificial intelligence model training and field demonstration, with the goal of achieving Level 4 end-to-end autonomous driving by 2027. Level 4 refers to vehicles capable of operating without human intervention under most conditions. Gwangju was designated Korea's first citywide autonomous vehicle pilot zone in April, allowing test operations across residential and commercial areas without the regulatory restrictions that apply to standard roads. Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance will develop dedicated insurance products for autonomous vehicles and handle emergency response and accident analysis. The Korea Transportation Safety Authority will manage operations and performance verification around the clock, while the Gwangju Metropolitan Government will provide garage facilities and charging infrastructure. Participating companies plan to prioritize local hiring for the project, with recruitment information to be shared at a technology exhibition held alongside the ceremony. "We cannot fall behind the U.S. and China, the frontrunners in autonomous driving," said Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yun-duk. "Today marks the starting point of our counteroffensive to break into the global top three." This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by
May 13, 2026 · via koreatimes.co.kr
This week, developers have unveiled new site plans for a city plaza and green space near downtown Raleigh, as construction is now officially underway for the automated parking garage anchoring the center of the upcoming City Gateway project. The plaza, located at 130 Kindley Street, will act as an open space for pedestrians at the center of the City Gateway development, a 30,000 square foot neighborhood on the outskirts of the city's immediate downtown footprint. When completed, it will include more than 1,400 residential units, office space, retail, and a 200-key hotel. Other WRAL Top Stories Asher McGlothlin, Development Manager at Firstfloor, which is one of the development partners involved with the district, told WRAL it supports the project's goal to promote sustainability within city limits. "They [city leadership] targeted more pedestrian-friendly streets and rolled out EV charging stations to combat EV Gas emissions," he says. McGlothlin noted the incorporation of the history of the city's Fourth Ward, with plans to install a commemorative plaque to display the site's history. The open space will be the roof of a 228-space automated parking garage, designed with robotic lifting bays, that can accommodate electric vehicle charging. WRAL has previously reported that the garage's autonomous technology allows it to someday be a hub for driverless vehicles. In a statement to our previous reporting, Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell said the Kindley Street parking deck could act as a "catalyst" for attracting driverless car companies, and acknowledged the city has had "high-level" conversations with driverless car companies. AUTOParkit, the technology company implementing the mechanical system for the garage, has projects in other areas of the United States. The company's CEO, Christopher Alan, previously spoke with WRAL about the project, saying that while they currently are not partnered with an autonomous driving company, they "would like
May 13, 2026 · via wral.com
Waymo recalls massive autonomous fleet after incident flags major safety issue The company moved quickly with a software update after a vehicle failed to fully stop in hazardous conditions Waymo is recalling its massive fleet of autonomous vehicles over a defect that may pose significant safety risk, according to federal regulators. The action follows an incident in which a driverless vehicle failed to come to a complete stop after encountering flooded road conditions on a high-speed roadway, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in a May 6 report. "Entering a flooded roadway can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury," the agency said. The recall covers 3,791 vehicles equipped with the company’s 5th and 6th generation Automated Driving Systems (ADS), which regulators estimate have a 100% defect rate. WAYMO TO BRING DRIVERLESS CARS TO CHICAGO, EYES MIDWEST EXPANSION The company currently operates thousands of vehicles across the U.S., including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Austin. According to the report, when a Waymo robotaxi approaches standing water on higher-speed roads, it may slow down but fail to come to a full stop after detection. Federal regulators said the first incident occurred on April 20, when an unoccupied Waymo vehicle encountered an "untraversable flooded section" of roadway with a 40 mph speed limit. That same day, Waymo implemented additional restrictions to reduce the risk of similar incidents in inclement weather, including updates to weather-related controls and changes to mapping systems used by its vehicles. TESLA DODGES CALIFORNIA LICENSE SUSPENSION AFTER DROPPING MISLEADING 'AUTOPILOT' MARKETING TERMS All affected vehicles received an interim software update by April 20, 2026. Waymo then initiated a recall on April 24. | Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % | |---|---|---|---|---| | GOOG | ALPHABET
May 13, 2026 · via foxbusiness.com
Waymo is recalling up to 3,791 robotaxis because the Automated Driving System software could allow the cars to drive onto flooded roads, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. According to the NHTSA, on April 20, an unoccupied Waymo autonomous vehicle entered an untraversable flood section of a roadway with a 40 miles per hour speed limit at a reduced speed. "On higher speed roadways, the Waymo AV may slow but not stop in response to detecting a potentially untraversable flooded lane," NHTSA recall documents read. ONLY ON 13: Video shows a Waymo vehicle trying to drive the wrong way onto an HOV lane Waymo's voluntary recall was prompted by severe weather in San Antonio that caused a road to flood and a robotaxi to enter an untraversable lane, sources told ABC News. Further information from ABC News indicated that while the event involved an unoccupied vehicle, and there were no injuries, Waymo decided to review scenarios involving flooded roadways and identified an opportunity for improvement. Waymo indicated that the incident happened on April 20 and the recall was filed on April 30. The company is still working on a fix. In the meantime, they have "modified the scope of vehicle operations to increase weather-related constraints and updated the vehicle maps," according to NHTSA. A Waymo spokesperson provided a statement that read in part: "We are working to implement additional software safeguards and have put mitigations in place, including refining our extreme weather operations during periods of intense rain, limiting access to areas where flash flooding might occur." In February, Waymo deployed its self-driving cars in a limited area of Houston, mostly inside the city's 610 Loop. SEE ALSO: Waymo cars spotted sitting for days on residential streets in north Houston
May 13, 2026 · via abc13.com
Michigan is demanding repayment of $35 million from a state-backed mobility research center supporters say is critical to keeping autonomous vehicle development in Michigan. The American Center for Mobility, a 340-acre test facility in Ypsilanti Township, says annual payment sought by the state could jeopardize the nonprofit project despite a financial rebound last year. “It’s a state investment to help cement the auto industry’s place in Michigan,” said state Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, who wants the state to forgive the loan or delay debt repayment. “It makes sense to continue that effort.” The nonprofit tests robotaxis, automated trucks and high-tech delivery services. Last year, documents show it built a $1.59 million surplus, which would be wiped out by Michigan’s demands for $1.62 million per year in payments on a loan that went into forbearance last year. The conflict comes at a pivotal time for self-driving technology after US automotive research funding went through years of “peaks and valleys,” said Glenn Stevens, executive director of MichAuto advocacy group. In all, the state has invested $67 million in the site, a former General Motors facility, and already has forgiven an earlier $15 million loan. Pushing too hard for payments would make that spending “worthless” if it drives the project out of business, said John Rakolta, a metro Detroit developer. “It sounds like a conundrum right now for the state, which would probably get criticized for not (collecting) the loan,” said Rakolta, who participated in discussions about the formation of the ACM but is not involved in the project. Negotiations about the debt are ongoing with the Michigan Economic Development Corp., a quasi-public business development agency. Its spokesperson, Danielle Emerson, said the contract with the state clearly calls for repayment. ‘We’ve proven ourselves’ Auto industry advocates say Michigan is in a “fierce
May 13, 2026 · via wtop.com
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Tuesday that Waymo is recalling 3,791 robotaxis in the United States over a self-driving software defect that could cause the vehicles to drive onto flooded roads. The recall covers certain fifth- and sixth-generation Automated Driving Systems (ADS) deployed across the Alphabet subsidiary’s commercial fleet. According to the NHTSA, the software may fail to adequately detect or respond to flooded road conditions — creating a potential safety risk for passengers and other road users. Waymo is currently developing a full software remedy, the agency said. As an interim measure, the Alphabet subsidiary has tightened its operational parameters by increasing weather-related constraints and updating its map data to restrict vehicle access to roads that may be affected by flooding. Waymos on Flooded Roads According to the NHTSA recall notice, on April 20 an unoccupied Waymo vehicle “encountered an untraversable flooded section of a roadway” with a 40 mph speed limit. The vehicle detected the floodwater but continued forward at reduced speed rather than stopping or rerouting. Following the incident, Waymo implemented additional operational restrictions “at times and in locations where there is an elevated risk of encountering a flooded, higher-speed roadway,” the filing said. Four days later, Waymo‘s Safety Board reviewed the issue and decided to conduct a recall. The April 20 incident does not appear to be an isolated case. Users on social media have shared images and videos of Waymo robotaxis entering flooded areas or becoming trapped in standing water. The incidents include at least one situation in Phoenix, where the vehicle entered a flooded road, ignoring a sign that said “do not enter when flooded,” and then went into reverse. Recall Covers Nearly Entire Fleet While Waymo does not routinely disclose its exact fleet size, available data suggests the recall
May 13, 2026 · via eletric-vehicles.com