Seen a robotaxi stopped for no reason? It'll move again soon
Share and Follow

AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) Have you seen a robotaxi stop, but the road ahead is clear of obstacles? Over the last week, so did affiliate KXAN employees.

Between May 31 and June 3, multiple self-driving cars stopped on W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in front of the KXAN station. The vehicles paused before a low-hanging tree branch.

Waymo robotaxis stop because of a low hanging branch. (KXAN Photo/Ed Zavala)

But after several seconds, the car would enter the oncoming lane and pass the empty space. Human-driven cars navigated the branch without delay after the driverless cars moved.

When a situation like this happens, the vehicle is likely functioning as it should.

The cars, operated by robotaxi company Waymo, use a combination of cameras, radar and lidar to detect objects in front of and around them. A Waymo spokesperson told KXAN that the branch may have been low enough to enter the top part of the cars’ sensor map.

The spokesperson explained that the company approaches these incidents with ample caution. The car notifies a Waymo employee, who will remotely examine and intervene to get the vehicle safely moving again.

And the tree? City of Austin workers stopped by and trimmed the branch Tuesday afternoon.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Trump admin preparing 1,500 soldiers for potential Minnesota deployment: report

Trump Administration Gears Up for Possible Minnesota Military Deployment: 1,500 Troops on Standby

The Trump administration is reportedly gearing up to potentially deploy 1,500 troops…
Viral video shows ICE agent telling agitators they're disrupting arrest of child sex offender in Minnesota

Viral Video: ICE Agent Confronts Protesters Disrupting Arrest of Child Sex Offender in Minnesota

A video that went viral on social media Sunday captured a tense…
Dozens of dogs killed in fire at home of ‘breeder’ in Washington state, firefighters rescue 3 from flames

Tragic Blaze in Washington: Dozens of Dogs Perish, Breeder’s Home Devastated – Firefighters Heroically Save 3

In a tragic incident in Washington State, approximately 40 dogs perished in…
12-year-old boy saved mom's life after she lost consciousness while behind the wheel with foot still on gas

Heroic 12-Year-Old Saves Mother’s Life in Dramatic On-the-Road Rescue

A 12-year-old boy from England has been recognized for his heroic actions…
Neighborhood in rust belt city is booming thanks to empty nesters

Rust Belt Renaissance: How Empty Nesters Are Revitalizing This Thriving Neighborhood

In a transformative shift, empty nesters are flocking to a once-gritty neighborhood…
National Popcorn Day: Here’s where moviegoers can find popcorn deals

Celebrate National Popcorn Day with Exclusive Movie Theatre Deals and Discounts

Movie theater giants like AMC, Regal, and Cinemark are gearing up to…
The American airport where tourists are welcomed by homeless people

Welcome to America: The Unexpected Greeters at This Iconic Airport

Visitors landing in the bustling city of New York are often met…
Rex Ryan believes John Harbaugh-led Giants are 'absolutely' a playoff team

Rex Ryan Confident in John Harbaugh’s Leadership, Predicts Giants’ Playoff Potential

John Harbaugh has already garnered support for his vision with the Giants…