A remarkable event unfolded in San Francisco earlier this week when a woman gave birth inside a Waymo robotaxi. The incident occurred while she was en route to the University of California San Francisco Hospital, already in labor. As the situation escalated, Waymo’s Rider Support Team detected “unusual activity” inside the vehicle. Realising the urgency, they contacted the rider and promptly called 911 on her behalf.
Despite the unexpected circumstances, the Waymo robotaxi successfully arrived at the hospital with one additional passenger before emergency services could reach them. Jess Berthold, a spokesperson for the University of California San Francisco Hospital, confirmed the woman and her newborn’s safe arrival to NBC News. Unfortunately, no further details about the mother or baby have been disclosed, including whether the newborn was given a name to commemorate the unusual circumstances of the birth.
Waymo issued a statement to various media outlets, including NBC News and KRON4, saying, “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 took immediate steps to remove the vehicle from service for cleaning, a precaution that underscores the company’s commitment to safety and hygiene.
While robotaxis like Waymo’s are not without flaws—having faced scrutiny for incidents such as failing to stop for school buses or navigating tricky situations—data indicates that Waymo vehicles are generally safer than their human-driven counterparts. A medical professional even referred to these autonomous vehicles as “a public health breakthrough.” In this case, the robotaxi maintained its focus on driving safely during the birth, an achievement that would be challenging for a human driver in a similar situation.
Though an ambulance would typically be the preferred choice for such urgent circumstances, the high costs associated with emergency services may make a Waymo robotaxi a viable alternative in times of need. Remarkably, the vehicle did not take unnecessary risks or speed, which can sometimes occur with human drivers in stressful situations.
This incident highlights the evolving role of technology in everyday life and raises intriguing questions about the future of transportation in critical moments. As autonomous vehicles continue to integrate into society, stories like this one will likely become more common, showcasing both the potential and challenges of this innovative mode of transport.
