It Seems Hyundai Has A Solution For Waymo's Door-Closing Problem - CleanTechnica

The article discusses a potential solution to a problem faced by Waymo’s robotaxi service, where passengers often fail to fully close the vehicle doors. Currently, Waymo reportedly pays towing companies to manually close these doors, but a new approach involving self-closing doors is on the horizon. While it was initially assumed that this solution would be implemented on the upcoming Zeekr/Ojai robotaxi model, recent news suggests that Hyundai may be behind the innovation. Hyundai, a partner of Waymo, has patented a double-sliding door mechanism inspired by subway train doors, which could address the door-closing issue effectively. The patented door system features a combination of sliding and pop-up movements, driven by a motorized unit with clutches and electromagnets controlling the door’s motion. This design includes a driving motor, gear unit, pulley-belt unit, and rail system that work together to slide and lift the door automatically. The detailed patent description and accompanying sketches indicate a sophisticated mechanism aimed at ensuring doors