Who assists Waymo's autonomous vehicles remotely?

Waymo employs remote workers, referred to as "fleet response agents," some of whom are based in the Philippines, to provide contextual guidance to their autonomous vehicles.

What is the role of Waymo's fleet response agents?

These agents offer high-level contextual guidance to the autonomous vehicles when the AI encounters unusual situations, but they do not remotely steer, brake, or accelerate the cars.

What concerns have been raised about Waymo's remote workers?

Senator Ed Markey raised concerns about potential safety and cybersecurity risks associated with remote overseas operators, as well as the offshoring of American jobs.

Home / Technology / Waymo Uses Overseas Remote Agents for Self-Driving Cars

Waymo Uses Overseas Remote Agents for Self-Driving Cars

8 Feb

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Summary

Remote workers in the Philippines assist Waymo's autonomous vehicles.
Agents provide contextual guidance, not direct remote control.
Senator raised concerns over safety, cybersecurity, and job offshoring.

Waymo Uses Overseas Remote Agents for Self-Driving Cars

Waymo's use of remote workers in the Philippines to assist its autonomous vehicles was revealed during a US Senate hearing on self-driving car safety. These "fleet response agents" provide high-level contextual guidance when the AI faces unusual scenarios, though the vehicle's onboard software always retains control of the driving task.

Senator Ed Markey expressed significant concerns about the practice, highlighting potential safety and cybersecurity risks, as well as the offshoring of jobs. He argued that outdated information could be provided and that it introduces cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Waymo defended the outsourcing as a global scaling effort, stating that its remote operators are licensed, undergo background checks, drug screenings, and are trained on local US traffic rules.

The company previously described this remote assistance as a "phone-a-friend" option, emphasizing that the Waymo Driver remains in control and uses all available information to make decisions. Waymo currently operates in six US markets and plans to expand to several more, including London.