1 week ago
Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) self-driving unit said its robotaxis are never remotely driven in U.S. operations, pushing back on lawmakers' concerns about safety and overseas support staff.
Lawmakers Question Remote Operations And Safety
On Tuesday, Waymo told Congress it has not used "tele-operations" or remote driving to control its robotaxis on public U.S. roads.
In a letter to Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), the company said remote assistance personnel "do not directly control, steer, or drive the vehicle."
Instead, the automated driving system contacts support staff when it encounters an ambiguous situation and remains the final decision-maker.
Markey and Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga) have raised concerns about Waymo's use of remote teams, including some based in the Philippines, citing potential risks to roadway ...
