Waymo in Atlanta: Safe but Sometimes Confused
Since launching widespread service via the popular ridesharing company in May 2025, Waymo in Atlanta has been involved in only two traffic accidents—but neither was deemed the vehicle’s fault, according to Atlanta Police Department records. Still, social media users have shared videos of robotaxis appearing “confused”—stopping mid‑lane, hesitating at intersections, or bypassing barricades during pedestrian events. Waymo attributes these behaviors to cautious driving in ambiguous or unfamiliar situations, suggesting AVs may pause to await instructions or confirmation from their response teams. Riders experiencing early trip disruptions due to vehicle uncertainty receive refunds and credits, and Waymo emphasizes a continuous learning approach to improve fleet behavior. Georgia Tech experts note that AVs are still adapting to human‑centric infrastructure and unpredictable drivers, and such freeze‑ups are not surprising.
Read more: ajc.com
DoorDash CEO: Robotaxis Aren’t Yet Ready for Food Delivery
The CEO of DoorDash says robotaxis are not yet prepared to handle the demands of food delivery. While the autonomous technology continues to improve, key limitations remain in navigating complex drop‑off points, maintaining food quality, and ensuring delivery speed. He cited concerns around unpredictability in real‑world environments, such as apartment complexes or busy urban streets. As a result, DoorDash will continue relying on human couriers for now. However, the company is keeping a close eye on robotaxi progress for potential future partnerships.
Read more: msn.com
Trump and the EV/AV Political Landscape
President Donald Trump’s recent comments on electric vehicles and autonomous technology have reignited debate over industrial policy and energy independence. He criticized government subsidies for EV makers while promising to refocus US manufacturing on traditional cars. The article explores how Trump’s views contrast with current federal initiatives supporting autonomous vehicle deployment and emissions‑free transportation. Industry leaders are watching closely, as Trump’s position could influence regulatory momentum and consumer adoption. His remarks also raised concerns among automakers about future investment certainty should political leadership shift in 2025.
Read more: nytimes.com
Zoox Granted Federal Exemption for Custom Robotaxis
Federal regulators have granted Zoox a key exemption allowing its uniquely designed, steering wheel‑free robotaxis to continue demonstration operations on US roads. This comes after a multi‑year review of its safety compliance and design standards. Zoox began testing these vehicles in Foster City and has since expanded to San Francisco and Las Vegas. The exemption does not yet authorize full commercial use, but it represents a significant regulatory milestone. NHTSA is also working on new frameworks to streamline the approval of nontraditional AV designs, signaling broader federal support for innovation in the sector.
Read more: techcrunch.com
