Articles tagged with "safety"
Waymo robotaxi strikes child near school, federal probe launched
On January 23, a Waymo robotaxi struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica, causing minor injuries. The child stepped into the roadway from behind a parked SUV, and the vehicle, traveling at about 17 mph, detected the child and braked, reducing speed to 6 mph before impact. The child was able to walk to the sidewalk afterward, and emergency services were automatically contacted by the robotaxi. Following the incident, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a formal investigation, adding to two other ongoing federal probes involving Waymo vehicles and school-zone safety concerns. The incident underscores the challenges autonomous vehicles face in school zones, where children’s unpredictable movements and occluded visibility from parked vehicles complicate safe navigation. Regulators are scrutinizing whether Waymo’s system responded appropriately compared to human drivers under similar conditions. This event, alongside other investigations—such as a Waymo robotaxi passing a stopped school bus with its stop sign extended in Atlanta and multiple
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxisafetyfederal-investigationself-driving-technologyZoox issues software recall over lane crossings
Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company Zoox has issued a voluntary software recall affecting 332 vehicles due to concerns that its self-driving system caused vehicles to cross center lane lines near intersections or block crosswalks. Although no collisions have been reported, Zoox acknowledged in its National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) filing that these behaviors could increase crash risk. The issues included robotaxis stopping in crosswalks at red lights and making wide turns that partially entered opposing lanes. The problem was first identified on August 26, and Zoox found 62 similar instances through December 5. The company updated its software twice—in November and mid-December—to address these problems and is in ongoing discussions with NHTSA regarding their frequency and severity. The recall covers Zoox vehicles operating on public roads between March 13 and December 18. Zoox emphasized transparency and safety as reasons for the recall, stating it continually refines its technology. This is not the first software recall for Zoox this year;
robotautonomous-vehiclessoftware-recalldriverless-technologysafetyZooxtransportation-technologyE-Bikes Aren't The Same As The Bikes You Rode When You Were A Kid - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica emphasizes that e-bikes differ significantly from traditional bicycles many grew up riding, likening them more to mopeds or scooters. It highlights that while e-bikes offer many benefits such as energy efficiency and accessibility, especially for older riders or those returning to cycling after years of car commutes, they require a different approach to safety and operation. Riders must recognize that e-bikes are faster and heavier, demanding greater caution, awareness, and adherence to traffic laws. Key safety recommendations include always wearing a helmet despite discomfort or appearance concerns, taking time to adjust gears before riding, and being a defensive rider who anticipates the often inattentive or aggressive behavior of automobile drivers. The article stresses the importance of following road rules, using signals, and setting sensible speed limits based on road and traffic conditions. It also recounts serious accidents involving e-bikes to underline the risks and the need for predictability and clear communication when riding, especially in groups. Overall, the piece advocates
energye-bikeselectric-vehiclestransportationsafetysustainable-mobilityelectric-transportationTennessee military explosives plant rocked by deadly blast
A massive explosion occurred at Accurate Energetic Systems (AES), a military explosives manufacturing and testing facility near Bucksnort, Tennessee, approximately 60 miles southwest of Nashville. The blast caused multiple fatalities, with at least one confirmed dead and 19 people reported missing, while others were hospitalized. Secondary explosions continued after the initial blast, preventing emergency responders from safely entering the site. The cause of the explosion remains unknown. The impact of the blast was felt miles away, with residents reporting tremors and shaking homes. AES operates on a 1,300-acre site with eight buildings and a laboratory, producing explosives for military, commercial demolition, and aerospace clients. The company handles large quantities of TNT and holds significant U.S. defense contracts, having completed over $100 million in contracts since 2002. Safety protocols for firefighting at the facility advise using dry powder agents rather than water and emphasize isolating and evacuating the area. This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as more
energyexplosivesmilitary-technologysafetyindustrial-accidentdefense-contractsmanufacturingHeathrow Terminal 4 evacuated after 'hazardous materials incident'
Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4 was evacuated on the evening of September 8, 2025, following a possible hazardous materials incident that prompted a major emergency response. Firefighters and specialist crews from multiple stations, including Feltham, Heathrow, and Wembley, were dispatched after the London Fire Brigade received the call at 5:01 pm. As a precaution, Terminal 4’s check-in area was closed, and passengers were advised not to travel there, although all other terminals at Heathrow remained operational. Emergency services supported passengers on site, and National Rail services suspended stops at Terminal 4 due to the incident. Social media posts from evacuated passengers showed emergency blankets being distributed amid dropping temperatures, but there was limited official communication regarding the nature of the incident or the expected duration of the disruption. Unverified reports and online speculation suggested possible illnesses and theories ranging from a terrorist attack to pepper spray use, but authorities have not confirmed any such details. Despite the evacuation, Heathrow’s flight schedule for Terminal
materialshazardous-materialssafetyemergency-responseairport-securityincident-managementfire-brigadeDelta Railroad Services unveils automated Rail Unloader Car - The Robot Report
Delta Railroad Services has introduced an automated Rail Unloader Car (RUC) designed to safely and efficiently unload continuous welded rail (CWR) strings up to 1,600 feet long from railcars. This innovation automates a traditionally manual, labor-intensive, and hazardous process, enabling precise and rapid offloading of rails directly onto the track bed. The company highlights that the RUC significantly improves unloading speed, reduces the risk of worker injuries by minimizing manual intervention, and is adaptable to various railcar types and rail sizes. The RUC operates as a self-contained system capable of handling tangents and curves without manual assistance, accelerating project timelines and enhancing overall safety. It is fully integrated to move freely across railroad networks like a railcar, offering superior versatility. Delta Railroad Services, part of the Salcef Group and based in Ashtabula, Ohio, emphasizes customer-focused design prioritizing operator comfort and safety. The company continues to support the expanding railroad infrastructure demands across the U.S. and North
robotautomationrail-industrysafetyinfrastructuremanufacturingtransportationSpaceX’s Starbase city officials silent on crane collapse
A crane collapsed on June 23 at SpaceX’s South Texas rocket launch facility, located within the newly incorporated city of Starbase, Texas. The crane was being used to clear debris from a recent SpaceX rocket explosion. Although footage of the collapse exists, it was filmed from a distance, leaving it unclear whether anyone was injured. SpaceX has not publicly acknowledged the incident or responded to media inquiries, continuing its pattern of limited transparency outside of spaceflight mishaps. Similarly, Starbase city officials—who are largely SpaceX employees and executives—have remained silent despite multiple requests for information, raising questions about the city’s willingness to be transparent given its financial dependence on SpaceX, including a recent $1.5 million loan from the company. Starbase was formally incorporated in May 2024, with SpaceX executives occupying key city government roles, including the mayor and commissioners. The city has recently taken steps to restrict access to the area at SpaceX’s request, citing safety concerns, and
energyaerospaceSpaceXrocket-launchindustrial-accidentinfrastructuresafetysamos PRO MOTION Controller wins award for Wieland Electric - The Robot Report
robotautomationsafetymotion-controlindustrial-Ethernetindustrial-automationWieland-ElectricTesla's latest self-driving mode overturns car, raises safety concerns
robotself-drivingTeslaautomationsafetytechnologyFSDLoạt hành động 'bất hảo' của robot
robottechnologyautomationsafetyindustrial-robotsroboticsAIWaymo recalls 1,200 robotaxis following low-speed collisions with gates and chains
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxissoftware-updatetransportationsafetyĐánh giá mô hình quản lý chất lượng và an toàn trong bảo dưỡng sửa chữa các công trình năng lượng tại Việt Nam
energymaintenancequality-managementindustrial-systemsdigital-transformationreliabilitysafetySonair debuts ADAR, a 3D ultrasonic sensor for autonomous mobile robots
robotautonomous-mobile-robotssensor-technologysafetyhuman-robot-collaboration3D-sensingADARThe One Big Robotaxi Benefit — Safe Driving
robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclessafetytransportationWaymodriver-assistance