Waymo Self-Driving Cars Destroyed in Los Angeles

Multiple self-driving Waymo cars, valued at over $600,000 each, were destroyed by rioters in Los Angeles. The chaotic scene, captured on video, highlights the vulnerability of expensive, cutting-edge technology in civil unrest. The incident underscores the potential risks in deploying high-value autonomous vehicles in urban settings.

The destruction of Waymo's self-driving fleet

Self-driving cars have been hailed as the future of transportation — a clean, efficient, safer alternative to human-driven vehicles. Waymo, one of the pioneers in this technology, has been testing autonomous vehicles in various urban landscapes. Weighing over 2 tons and stretching up to 14 feet in length, the large, distinctive cars sport multiple sensors. Waymo's cars are equipped with Lidar and camera sensors, visible on their roofs. Lidar sensors use light to measure the distance between the car and other objects, while cameras provide 360-degree visibility. This technology allows the vehicles to navigate city streets, but it made them targets in LA riots. They are exceedingly expensive: while individual cars can cost up to $600,000, the entire fleet of Waymo vehicles is valued at millions.

What next for urban autonomous vehicles?

The Waymo attack is not an anomaly; civil unrest can happen anywhere, anytime. 2020 saw 28 separate riots in the US, including widespread disturbances in Los Angeles. The trend of urban violence is an ongoing problem, with no clear solution. For Waymo, this leaves a question: is it worth deploying high-value, self-driving cars in urban areas that could be vulnerable? Even if the cars themselves are safe, rioters could still engage in disruptive behavior, such as blocking multiple cars from entering intersections. Urban riots endanger Waymo's vehicles, but they also threaten the progress of autonomous vehicles as a whole. With future self-driving car fleets expected to lay the groundwork for safer, more efficient transportation, this situation could set back the entire industry. First responders must balance their efforts to restore order with the risk of losing thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of dollars worth of fleet vehicles.

Waymo cars, explained and detailed

The Waymo vehicle is a hybrid electric and lithium-ion battery powered car, which, although 11 feet long, weighs only 2 tons, and can carry up to five passengers. However, limited space leads to other issues, such as the absence of emergency seats for more than 5 passengers. The car's principal technologies are Lidar, cameras, and radar sensors. These technologies are crucial to Waymo's imminent success, but they are also what makes the vehicles too costly for widespread deployment. The entire fleet costs millions of dollars; maintaining and replacing cars after riots will cost even more.

Automated material logistics — when it goes wrong

In addition to destroying individual cars, rioters also destroyed the temporary urban logistics, such as overhead and underground power cables, as well as warehouses. To Waymo, this is the system's most fragile point. If power stations or charging infrastructure are damaged, cars will be unable to operate. The power company may not prioritise the need of self-driving cars in a crisis. There is also an additional cost: the loss of any vehicles renders their valuable components (such as an estimated $4,000 worth of sensors) destroyed. The Waymo car's high-tech sensors, cameras, and radar sensors were built specifically for this car, adding to the cost. Each of these sensors costs an estimated $4,000 and would need to be replaced.

The paradox of Waymo’s success

Waymo's success is measured by how much they have influenced the self-driving industry so far. Waymo's success has helped to establish new laws and regulations to support the industry. Self-driving cars are now legal in 41 states, with most states allowing the testing of autonomous vehicles. They are also permitted in Washington, D.C. This is a testament to their efficiency and safety. The result of this is that Waymo's efforts have resulted in $45.6 billion in private funding. There has also been a subsequent increase in popularity, as the company has recently been valued at $175 billion. Waymo's self-driving cars provide a critical service for the public. These cars help to provide delivery services, taxis, truck services, and other means of transportation. However, Waymo knows that cars drive themselves, but no car can think. Their cars have a specific logistical system that keeps them in order. Having their cars damaged by rioters shows that the technology isn't flawless.

Approaching self-driving cars in line with safety practices

Self-driving cars have the potential to bring significant societal change. This means there are some precautions to take when they are adopted. If you are a driver of a self-driving car, it's important to adhere to all safety guidelines.

• Carry Out A Risk Assessment: Conduct the assessment before deploying the vehicles, and spot potential hazards in advance.
• Set Answerable Pathways: Ensure the path is designed to avoid potential obstacles, such as debris, roads, and people.
• Maintain Distance: Always keep a safe distance from other vehicles or pedestrians. This allows for necessary evasive maneuvers.
• Equip Your Car with appropriate safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, emergency kits, and self-contained breathing apparatuses.