Waymo’s robotaxis suffered a serious failure on Saturday when a power outage affecting a large part of San Francisco caused problems for its autonomous cars in the city. Some 130,000 residents lost power to their homes and businesses,

Waymo is testing a Gemini-powered in-car AI assistant, per findings from a 1,200-line system prompt. The assistant can answer general knowledge questions, control certain in-cabin features, and more.

A blackout in San Francisco revealed a new way for robotaxis to go wrong. Waymo’s self-driving robotaxis can successfully nail a tricky left turn, weave through lanes to drop you off at the airport, and safely pass a U-Haul that’s idling in the middle of the street. But during a blackout, they apparently turn into four-wheel bricks.

Waymo has long maintained a strict rule: Passengers are not allowed to sit in the driver’s seat or touch the vehicle’s controls. The policy is outlined in Waymo’s rider guidelines and onboarding materials, which explain that the front seat is reserved for trained personnel and off-limits during public rides.

A reporter rode in a robotaxi in Los Angeles and gives his thoughts on the ride ahead of Waymo's plans to add Detroit to its service area.

Waymo online course covers extrication, vehicle shutdowns and safe interaction with autonomous cars during emergencies

Waymo has begun offering select riders access to driverless taxi trips on Los Angeles freeways, expanding its autonomous service beyond surface streets.

OPINION: Waymo dubs its driverless cars "the future of transportation." This weekend's blackout showed that the future isn't so bright, Uber driver Ener Cabangis writes.