Waymo Admits Remote Operators in Other Countries Guide Vehicles in Unpredictable Situations

Alarming incidents involving Waymo self-driving cars raise concerns over public safety in California neighborhoods.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Waymo, the self-driving car company, has revealed that it relies on remote operators in other countries, including the Philippines, to provide "real-time guidance" when its autonomous vehicles encounter unpredictable situations on the road. This revelation comes amid a rise in alarming incidents involving Waymo's self-driving cars in California, including a child being struck, vehicles crashing into parked cars, and cars stalling and snarling traffic.

Why it matters

The disclosure that Waymo uses international remote operators to intervene in unpredictable situations raises questions about the reliability and safety of its autonomous vehicle technology, especially as incidents involving Waymo cars have increased in California neighborhoods. This could further erode public trust and acceptance of self-driving cars.

The details

Waymo's chief safety officer, Mauricio Peña, told a Senate committee that the company uses international contractors as remote operators to provide "real-time guidance" when its robotaxis encounter unpredictable conditions, rather than having the operators actually drive the vehicles remotely. This revelation comes as Waymo faces federal investigation after one of its self-driving vehicles struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica, and other incidents where Waymo cars have crashed into parked vehicles or stalled and snarled traffic in California neighborhoods.

  • On February 3, 2026, a Waymo self-driving vehicle struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica.
  • On February 1, 2026, a Waymo vehicle careened downhill in Echo Park, crashing into several parked cars and narrowly missing two bystanders.
  • In December 2025, a Waymo vehicle glitched out and stalled on a bridge, snarling traffic for 45 minutes at the Venice Canals Boat Parade in Los Angeles.

The players

Waymo

A self-driving car company that is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company.

Mauricio Peña

Waymo's chief safety officer who revealed the company's use of international remote operators.

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What they’re saying

“They step in when the robotaxis need backup.”

— Mauricio Peña, Waymo Chief Safety Officer (KTLA)

What’s next

The judge in the federal investigation into the Santa Monica incident will decide on the company's liability and any potential regulatory actions.

The takeaway

Waymo's reliance on international remote operators to guide its self-driving cars in unpredictable situations raises serious concerns about the reliability and safety of its autonomous vehicle technology, especially as incidents involving Waymo cars have increased in California neighborhoods, eroding public trust in this emerging technology.