Waymo Robotaxi And Serve Delivery Robot Collide In Los Angeles

On December 27, 2024, a collision occurred between a Waymo robotaxi and a Serve Robotics sidewalk delivery robot at a West Hollywood intersection, as first Reported by TechCrunch.

The incident was captured in a video that quickly spread on social media, sparking questions about the safety and liability of autonomous vehicles.

Food Delivery Robot Hit By Waymo
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The footage shows the Serve bot crossing a street at night, attempting to climb onto the sidewalk. After backing up to correct its course, it moved toward the curb ramp, but as it did, a Waymo robotaxi making a right turn struck the delivery robot.

TechCrunch says that the person who posted the video claimed the Serve bot ran a red light, though the footage doesn’t clearly support this assertion.

When asked about the incident, a Waymo spokesperson explained to TechCrunch that its Driver system classified the Serve delivery robot as an inanimate object, failing to recognize it as a potential hazard.

The system is designed to prioritize safety by choosing the safest driving path based on available information. For example, it is programmed to be cautious around pedestrians and children.

According to the spokesperson, When the Serve bot moved into the taxi’s path, the Waymo system applied the brakes, but the collision happened due to a misjudgment in timing, as reported by TechCrunch.

Neither vehicle sustained damage, and both robots briefly remained locked before continuing on their way. This incident raises important questions about what happens when autonomous vehicles collide and how liability is determined.

Waymo’s protocol in such cases involves notifying its Fleet Response and Rider Support teams, with the latter contacting first responders if necessary. In this case, no passengers were inside the robotaxi, said TechCrunch.

Serve confirmed to TechCrunch that the delivery robot was under remote supervision at the time of the incident, as that is standard procedure for crossing intersections.

Neither Waymo nor Serve provided specific details about liability for future collisions, but both companies stated they are working together to prevent similar issues, says TechCrunch.

The collision between the Waymo robotaxi and Serve delivery robot raises concerns for pedestrian safety. If autonomous vehicles fail to accurately recognize hazards, they could inadvertently cause accidents, especially in busy urban environments where unpredictability is common.

Questions surrounding the companies’ responsibility in these cases will likely prompt regulatory scrutiny and a push for clearer laws regarding liability in autonomous vehicle collisions.

As autonomous technology evolves, legal frameworks will need to adapt to ensure accountability and the protection of public safety.