Waymo is currently facing significant criticism after one of its self-driving robotaxis tragically struck and killed a beloved California cat named KitKat late last October. The incident was first reported by The San Francisco Standard, and Waymo has since confirmed the unfortunate event involving their autonomous vehicle.
The company, which is Alphabet’s self-driving division, acknowledged to the media outlet that a small cat darted under its vehicle as it began to move.
However, an anonymous complaint surfaced, alleging that the Waymo vehicle did not appear to slow down or attempt to evade the animal. This has ignited public concern and skepticism regarding the robotaxis’ ability to detect small creatures, particularly in challenging low-light conditions.
Following the incident, Waymo confirmed the event and, according to The San Francisco Standard, committed to making a donation to an animal rights organization.
KitKat, easily recognizable by his grey stripes, pale green eyes, and a small bell around his neck, was more than just a cat; he was an unofficial mascot cherished by both local shoppers and residents. His passing has deeply saddened the community, leading to the creation of a poignant roadside memorial adorned with flowers, photographs, and even KitKat chocolates.
Randa’s Market, where KitKat was a familiar and comforting presence, shared their grief on Instagram last week. Their post read, "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." The heartfelt message was accompanied by a photo of the much-missed feline.
This tragic incident isn’t an isolated one; autonomous vehicles have unfortunately been involved in previous animal fatalities. Notably, a Waymo robotaxi operating in autonomous mode killed a dog in California just last year, as reported by Tech Crunch.
Following the news, Elon Musk weighed in on X (formerly Twitter) on October 31st, seemingly defending autonomous vehicles. He retweeted a post asserting that over five million cats are hit by cars annually in the U.S., adding his comment, "True, many pets will be saved by autonomy."