Google’s robotaxis targeted in LA riots, services cancelled

Waymo was referred to as on to droop its robotaxi service – a minimum of partially – after its autos have been intentionally focused within the Los Angeles riots over the weekend. 

A number of driverless Jaguar I-Pace electrical robotaxis from Waymo – value round US$100,000 (A$153,000) – ended up being graffitied and set on hearth throughout clashes between authorities and protesters within the Californian metropolis. 

It’s alleged that customers of Waymo, owned by Google dad or mum firm Alphabet, intentionally ordered autos from the transport service with the only intention of damaging them as a part of protests within the US metropolis. 

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The corporate couldn’t verify if this was the case, as reported by the New York Times, which printed a press release from Waymo saying its autos have been merely “within the improper place on the improper time”.

Photos posted to varied social media platforms from the weekend confirmed protesters standing on high of a Waymo I-Tempo waving a Mexican flag, with the automobile coated in graffiti and a number of other others close by billowing smoke and flames.

After being requested to close down the app to forestall additional assaults, the corporate stated on Monday it was limiting providers primarily based on the protests. 

“We’re conscious of potential protests and won’t be offering service within the areas protesters could also be gathering out of an abundance of warning,” a Waymo spokesperson stated in a press release.