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SF's Robotaxi Fears Grow After Cat Tragedy
9 Dec, 2025
Summary
- A cat's death under a Waymo sparked protests against self-driving cars.
- Waymo expanded services amid heightened safety concerns and competition.
- Calls for local oversight of autonomous vehicles grew louder.
San Francisco is grappling with increased concerns over self-driving cars following the tragic death of a beloved bodega cat, Kit Kat, under a Waymo vehicle. The incident has galvanized local opposition, transforming the cat into a symbol of discontent against the expanding autonomous vehicle presence.
This incident has fueled demands for stricter local regulation, with city representatives advocating for oversight beyond state authorities. As Waymo and other companies like Amazon's Zoox expand their services, residents and officials are questioning the safety and integration of these technologies into the city's unique urban landscape.
While Waymo touts a strong safety record, recent events and ongoing debates highlight critical challenges in perception and prediction for autonomous systems. These issues, coupled with concerns about the impact on public transit, are central to the ongoing discussion about the future of self-driving cars in urban environments.
