Waymo autonomous taxi repeatedly circles in airport parking lot
A Waymo autonomous taxi reportedly became stuck circling in an airport parking lot for several minutes with a passenger unable to regain control, causing distress though the passenger eventually reached his flight after a delay.
What happened
Mike Johns, a Los Angeles-based businessman, was a passenger in a Waymo autonomous taxi travelling to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on a Monday when the vehicle became stuck circling repeatedly around a roundabout in an airport parking lot.
Johns reported circling for several minutes and was unable to exit the vehicle or override its control. He contacted Waymo support during the incident and expressed concern about the malfunction in phone and video recordings.
Reported impact
Johns reported feeling dizzy from the repeated circling and described the experience as resembling a science fiction thriller scene. He was concerned he might miss his flight, though the flight ultimately delayed and he made it aboard.
Index analysis
Johns suspected the airport layout confused the autonomous vehicle's navigation system. Waymo reported the route was delayed by only five minutes and refunded the passenger's fare.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.