In a recent incident, a man in the US was arrested for attempting to steal a self-driving Waymo robotaxi, resulting in a charge of attempted grand theft auto.
The 33-year-old individual reportedly entered the autonomous Jaguar I-Pace SUV after a passenger disembarked at their destination.
Despite his efforts, he was unable to put the vehicle in drive, prompting a Waymo employee to intervene and instruct him to exit the car. When the man refused to comply, law enforcement was contacted, leading to his swift arrest.
Fortunately, there were no injuries or damage to the luxury vehicle during the attempted theft. This event underscores the challenges and security concerns associated with the increasing presence of autonomous vehicles on public roads.
This incident follows a pattern of aggression towards self-driving vehicles in the US, with previous instances of vandalism and even arson targeting Waymo robotaxis. Despite such challenges, companies like Waymo continue to advance their autonomous technology, navigating the complexities of public acceptance and safety concerns.