The company is using an app to notify Los Angeles tow operators when robotaxis need human assistance.
Waymo is paying people in Los Angeles $20 or more to close the doors on its robotaxis when customers fail to do it.
According to an article by Will McCurdy in PC Mag, “Waymo uses Honk, a mobile app released in 2024 which has been called Uber for towing firms, currently available on the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store” to notify tow operators of Waymos needing assistance, whether it’s closing a door or towing powered-down vehicles to safety.
Some tow operators say Waymo pays them significantly less than their typical fees, with one expressing concern about liability in case a Waymo car, which costs upwards of $200,000 to produce, is damaged.
Waymo says its next generation of robotaxis will feature sliding doors that can close automatically.
Read the full story: Need a Side Hustle? Waymo Is Paying $20 for Humans to Close Its Doors
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