AS WAYMO robotaxis expand their reach in the US, their safety has come under increasing scrutiny, especially in emergency situations.
However, one of the self-driving vehicles recently acquitted itself nicely when a passenger in labour didn't quite make it to the hospital.
The San Francisco mother-to-be hailed a Waymo when she realised it was time to head to the hospital, but the baby had other ideas and popped out in the back of the taxi.
The company said its rider support team detected "unusual activity" inside the vehicle, and called to check on the rider, as well as alert 911.
"Unusual activity the vehicles are trained to pick up on can include things like "loud noises associated with distress" - and it's a pretty safe bet that's what tipped it off.
The taxi continued safely towards the hospital, arriving ahead of first responders, where the mother and baby were immediately rushed inside.
After what will likely be the most important ride it ever completes, the vehicle was taken out of service for cleaning.
"We're proud to be a trusted ride for moments big and small, serving riders from just seconds old to many years young," Waymo said.
Believe it or not, this is not the first time someone has ever given birth in a Waymo, the company stated - which is probably not surprising given the cost of an ambulance ride.
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