Waymo, New York and Hochul
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Self-driving vehicle companies are revealing new details about their safety-critical “remote assistance” programs—but questions remain.
The company is preparing to expand in several new cities in 2026.
Waymo reveals it has only one remote assist operator per 40 vehicles. I examine the security issues around having remote ops staff, particularly overseas.
The robotaxi company has come under scrutiny for its use of remote assistants, some of whom are based in the Philippines.
After an exec made headlines about having Remote Assistance agents in the Philippines, Waymo says they only 'provide advice.' They don't 'control, steer, or drive the vehicle.'
At Waymo's San Francisco robotaxi depot, hundreds of autonomous vehicles are serviced, highlighting the evolving landscape of transportation.
While Waymo's robotaxis are advertised as being 100% autonomous, the company does have human support staff. Thanks to a Senate hearing, we know how it works.
Driverless freight vehicles are the responsible way to move goods long distances without worrying about driver distraction, exhaustion or errors.