Many Waymo self-driving cars were attacked and set on fire as a result of a wave of immigration assaults in Los Angeles. In response to growing resentment toward law enforcement, security, and perceived inequality driven by Big Tech, the Alphabet-owned robotaxis turned into targets even though the demonstrations weren’t particularly directed at Waymo. At least five Waymo vehicles, including all Jaguar I-PACE energy SUVs, were destroyed over the weekend during rallies. After demonstrators spray-painted anti-ICE slogans, sprayed the autonomous cars with dust, and set them on fire, thick plumes of smoke poured down over downtown LA. Some protesters apparently threw electronic scooters into the losing shells, while others allegedly threw improvised weapons and car doors into the open fires. Around 5 p.m. on Sunday, the images on Los Angeles Street between Arcadia and Alameda started to unfold. The cars were discovered arranged and rapidly overtaken by a group upset over the Trump government’s decision to send in the National Guard, a move that California governor Gavin Newsom opposed, according to CNN and the Los Angeles Times. Not just about immigrationWaymo insists that the demonstrations were not immediately connected to its activities. But, critics claim that the robotaxis encompasses more than just systems. They claim that the vehicles, which have dozens of cameras, serve as traveling surveillance and could endanger protesters ‘ privacy. Ethan Teicher, a spokesperson for Waymo, stated in a statement that” health is our top priority.” Out of a lot of caution and with LAPD direction, we removed lorries from Downtown Los Angeles and will not be serving that particular area for the time being. A spokesperson for the company told USA Today that the business is still in business in most of Los Angeles but has halted service in some of the areas where protests have grown. Unlike human-operated taxis, robots are unable to judge and avoid dangerous situations in the autonomous vehicles of Waymo. They are silent goals during public unrest because of their programmed behavior. They make no attempt to elude masses or opposition areas. They stand out because of this risk and their high-tech presence. The rapid expansion of the business has even drawn censure. Waymo announced in January that it had traveled 1.9 million miles solely in Los Angeles. Some people believe they were rarely asked about having driverless technology tested in their neighborhoods despite the vehicles ‘ popularity with many people. Fire dangers and health concerns were raised by the loss of electric vehicles. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the fire, and the LAPD issued a warning that burning lithium-ion batteries releases dangerous chemicals, such as gas fluoride, that both emergency personnel and nearby residents could risk. Fires from electric vehicles take longer to kill. Volt batteries don’t need gas to fire, unlike gasoline-fueled cars do. Instead, firefighters must use large volumes of water to cool the cell, frequently through unique nozzles that apply directly beneath the car.
