Waymo has issued a software recall for its robotaxis, aimed at improving safety when vehicles encounter flooded areas. The change makes the system more cautious around floodwater, reducing how confidently the cars proceed in those conditions. Waymo says a “final remedy” is being developed, implying further fixes beyond the current update.
Waymo says it will recall nearly 3,800 robotaxis in the US after identifying a self-driving software issue that could prompt vehicles to enter flooded roads. The problem is tied to specific models of Waymo’s automated driving systems. The company is preparing a permanent fix and is also dealing with separate investigations linked to other incidents.
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Uber is outsourcing key upkeep for its Lucid Motors robotaxi fleet to Hertz via a newly formed affiliate, Oro Mobility. The fleet management firm is set to handle cleaning, charging, and repairs across multiple mobility segments, reducing operational friction for Uber’s autonomous expansion. The move signals how quickly robotaxi programs are turning to established fleet services.
China has suspended approvals for new autonomous vehicle permits, a sharp move after Baidu halted its robotaxi fleet in Wuhan last month. The suspension is tied to an ongoing investigation into the outage and its broader safety and regulatory implications. The decision signals Beijing is tightening oversight for self-driving deployments while probes continue.
Chinese autonomous driving firm WeRide is partnering with Lenovo to deploy 200,000 autonomous vehicles globally within the next five years, targeting large-scale commercialization by 2031. The rollout begins in 2026, starting with robotaxis and expanding to other self-driving vehicles worldwide, as the firms aim to move beyond pilots toward real-world operations.
China’s EV industry is ramping up overseas sales as a saturated domestic market and a brutal price war squeeze profits at home. Car exports are rising sharply, pushing firms like Xpeng to seek global growth and targets where over half of revenue comes from outside China within a decade. The race also stretches toward advanced tech such as robotaxis and flying cars.
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