Waymo Confirms No U.S. Remote Driving, Four Assistance Centers With 70 Agents
Waymo told Congress it has never used tele-operations to control robotaxis on U.S. public roads, stating its driving system remains the final authority in ambiguous situations. The company operates four remote assistance centers in Arizona, Michigan and two Philippine cities with 70 agents who provide guidance but cannot steer vehicles.
1. Congressional Inquiry Into Tele-Operations
On Tuesday, Waymo told lawmakers it has never employed tele-operations to drive its robotaxis on public U.S. roads, responding to queries from Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Buddy Carter who cited safety and national security risks related to overseas support.
2. Clarification of Remote Assistance
The company emphasized that remote assistance personnel do not directly control, steer or drive vehicles, instead offering guidance within seconds of an ambiguous situation, while the onboard system retains final decision-making authority and can reject external input.
3. Support Center Footprint
Waymo operates four remote assistance centers in Arizona, Michigan and two Philippine cities with 70 agents on duty, who monitor incidents in real time but are prohibited from taking direct control over robotaxi operations.
4. Training Scenarios and Operational Limits
In rare training exercises, U.S.-based personnel may prompt a stopped vehicle to move at up to 2 mph to clear a lane, but this has never occurred during commercial service and only the U.S.-based Event Response Team may authorize any vehicle movement in safety incidents.