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Man Trapped in Circling Waymo on Way to Airport - Slashdot

Jan 06, 2025 - tech.slashdot.org
Michael Johns, a tech-industry worker, experienced a malfunction while using a Waymo self-driving car to the airport, as the vehicle repeatedly drove in circles in a parking lot, preventing him from exiting. Despite contacting Waymo for assistance, Johns expressed frustration over the lack of empathy and uncertainty about whether he was communicating with a human or AI. He documented the incident on social media, where it went viral, amassing over two million views.

Waymo eventually resolved the issue, allowing Johns to catch his flight, and assured that the software glitch had been fixed. Johns, who is also a CES Innovations Awards judge, criticized the lack of human connection in digital services and stated he would refrain from using Waymo until improvements are made. Despite the incident's publicity, he has yet to receive follow-up communication from Waymo. The company did not charge him for the disrupted ride.

Key takeaways:

  • A man experienced a malfunction with a Waymo autonomous vehicle that drove in circles, preventing him from exiting the car.
  • The incident was filmed and went viral, raising concerns about the lack of empathy and human connection in tech support.
  • Waymo resolved the software glitch and did not charge the man for the ride, but he remains skeptical about using the service again.
  • The man, a tech industry worker and CES Innovations Awards judge, is still waiting for Waymo to address his concerns directly.
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