Waymo Robotaxi Kills California Cat, Sparks Safety Concerns

Waymo Robotaxi Incident: Autonomous Vehicle Kills Beloved Store Cat

Waymo faces public criticism after one of its self-driving taxis ran over and killed a California cat named KitKat in late October. The incident raises fresh concerns about autonomous vehicles’ ability to detect small animals, particularly in low-light conditions.

Key Details of the Incident

According to The San Francisco Standard, Alphabet’s self-driving unit Waymo confirmed a “small cat ran under its vehicle as it was pulling away.” However, an anonymous complaint alleged the robotaxi showed no signs of slowing down or attempting to avoid the animal.

The complaint specifically questioned whether Waymo’s sensor technology can reliably detect animals during nighttime operations.

Community Mourns Beloved Mascot

KitKat, a grey striped cat with pale green eyes who wore a bell around his neck, served as an informal mascot for local shoppers and residents. The community has created a roadside memorial featuring flowers, photos, and KitKat chocolate bars in his honor.

“We’re heartbroken to share that our beloved store cat, KitKat, has passed away. He brought warmth, smiles, and comfort to everyone who walked through our doors. Thank you to all who loved him as much as we did. The store won’t be the same without his little paws padding around,” posted Randa’s Market on Instagram.

Waymo’s Response and Previous Incidents

Waymo acknowledged the incident and committed to making a donation to an animal rights organization. This isn’t the first animal casualty involving autonomous vehicles – a Waymo robotaxi killed a dog in California in 2023, as reported by TechCrunch.

Elon Musk Weighs In

On October 31, Elon Musk appeared to reference the incident while defending autonomous technology, posting: “True, many pets will be saved by autonomy” on X (formerly Twitter). He shared a claim that over five million cats are hit by conventional vehicles annually in the U.S.