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Waymo Robotaxi Hosts Unexpected Delivery: A Baby’s Arrival En Route to Hospital
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In an extraordinary event that underscores the unpredictable nature of childbirth, a pregnant woman in San Francisco gave birth inside a Waymo autonomous vehicle on Monday night while en route to UCSF Medical Center. This incident adds a new chapter to the longstanding tradition of babies being born in transit, now extending into the era of driverless technology.
According to reports from The SF Standard, Waymo’s remote monitoring team detected unusual activity within the vehicle and promptly contacted emergency services. Remarkably, the autonomous vehicle reached the hospital before the arrival of emergency responders.
This occurrence is not an isolated one in the history of transportation. For decades, expectant mothers have found themselves delivering babies in the back seats of taxis and ride-sharing vehicles across the globe. Notably, a mother in India named her son Uber after giving birth during a ride, with the driver assisting in the delivery. Similarly, in 2017, a California couple welcomed their child in an Uber during Shabbat, humorously noting suggestions to name the baby after the ride-sharing service.
The San Francisco incident marks the first known birth in a Waymo vehicle in the city. However, the company disclosed that a similar event had previously occurred in Phoenix. A Waymo spokesperson commented on the rarity of such events, stating, While this is a very rare occurrence, some of our newest riders just can’t wait to experience their first Waymo ride.
Following the birth, the vehicle was promptly removed from service for thorough cleaning and maintenance.
This event highlights the evolving role of autonomous vehicles in daily life, demonstrating their capacity to handle unexpected situations. As driverless technology becomes more integrated into society, it continues to intersect with human experiences in unforeseen and profound ways.
