Autonomous vehicles, the future of urban traffic - that sounded like a smart and quiet solution. But in San Francisco, the reality is sometimes different: Waymo's self-driving cabs attract attention, especially at night - not through their innovative technology, but by honking their horns loudly.

When the night's sleep is disturbed by robots

Since the end of June 2024, Waymo's driverless cabs have been an integral part of San Francisco's cityscape. They are set to revolutionize city traffic and take people from A to B in comfort without a human behind the wheel. But while the technology is impressive, an unexpected problem is causing a stir: night-time honking caused by the autonomous vehicles. Residents who live near a parking lot that Waymo has rented specifically for its robotaxis are particularly affected.

Honking instead of peace and quiet in the parking lot

Sophia Tung, a software engineer, has been streaming the parking lot live on the internet(https://youtu.be/BhLogWrKzAw?feature=shared) for a few weeks now. What she has discovered is less a demonstration of futuristic mobility and more an acoustic spectacle that grates on the nerves of local residents. According to Tung, when the vehicles return at around four in the morning after a night of driving, a "crazy ballet of autonomous parking and honking" begins. The cabs seem to get in each other's way, causing the vehicles to use their horns as a means of communication.

Technological wonders with teething troubles

The idea behind autonomous vehicles is clear: they should be safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly than conventional cars. But reality shows that the technology is not yet perfect. What was intended to be quiet, autonomous parking is becoming a nightmare for residents. The honking of the vehicles can last up to an hour and has already caused complaints.

Waymo has not yet officially commented on the night-time disruptions, but the company is expected to respond quickly to resolve these issues. After all, public acceptance is crucial to the success of the technology.

Conclusion: autonomous vehicles with potential, but also problems

Waymo's autonomous robotaxis are a fascinating example of the future of transportation. But as this example shows, new technology also brings unexpected challenges. While the robotaxis seem to do their job smoothly during the day, the night shows another side of progress: noise and disturbances that affect people's lives. It remains to be seen how Waymo will get to grips with these problems and whether the technology will soon function as smoothly as originally promised.