A woman gave birth while traveling in a Waymo robotaxi in San Francisco earlier this week, marking a unique incident in the realm of automated transportation. The woman was in labor and en route to the University of California San Francisco Hospital when she unexpectedly delivered her baby inside the self-driving vehicle.
According to reports from KRON4, the Waymo Rider Support Team detected “unusual activity” within the robotaxi. They promptly contacted the rider to assess the situation and called emergency services on her behalf. Notably, the Waymo vehicle managed to reach the hospital safely, arriving with one additional passenger before paramedics could intervene.
A spokesperson for the University of California San Francisco Hospital, Jess Berthold, confirmed the arrival of both the mother and her newborn to NBC News. However, Berthold stated that the new mother is not available for interviews, leaving many questions unanswered regarding her identity, the health of her baby, and whether she chose a name linked to the unusual birth location.
Waymo released a statement expressing their pride in being a reliable transportation option during significant life events. The company stated, “We’re proud to be a trusted ride for moments big and small, serving riders from just seconds old to many years young. We wish the new family all the best, and we look forward to safely getting them where they’re going through many of life’s events.” Following the incident, Waymo confirmed that the vehicle was immediately taken out of service for cleaning.
While the use of robotaxis has raised questions about safety, data suggests that Waymo vehicles might be safer than human drivers. Some experts have even referred to them as a “public health breakthrough.” In this instance, the robotaxi remained focused on its driving task, demonstrating an ability to navigate the situation without distraction. Unlike human drivers, who might speed or take unnecessary risks during emergencies, the Waymo vehicle adhered to safe driving protocols.
Although an ambulance would typically be the preferred mode of transport for someone in labor, the high costs associated with ambulance services make alternatives like Waymo an appealing option in certain situations. As this case illustrates, the robotaxi industry is evolving, potentially offering innovative solutions for urgent medical needs.
As technology continues to advance, incidents like this may become more commonplace, prompting further discussions about the role of autonomous vehicles in everyday life.
