The physical toll of testing robotaxis

The data, uncovered by a TechCrunch review, highlights a growing human cost behind the rapid scaling of autonomous fleets. Transdev, which manages drivers for Waymo, reported 16 injuries across three cities, while Zoox logged eight. The injuries are often linked to 'brake jabs'—sudden, violent stops triggered when the vehicle’s software detects, or misidentifies, road debris. In some instances, these stops are caused by system shutdowns, known as 'nogos,' which force drivers to suddenly regain control at high speeds.

Employees describe a physically grueling environment where vehicles react unpredictably. One Waymo driver faced a 157-day recovery after a harsh stop occurred without any obstruction. Another incident involved a wrist injury caused by a steering wheel whipping during a self-parking maneuver. Despite Zoox issuing a federal recall last year to address unexpected braking, contractors report that the issue persists. Zoox maintains that these incidents represent a small fraction of its total miles driven and that it adheres to all safety reporting requirements. Waymo similarly emphasizes that the testing process is essential for validating its technology, though both companies declined to discuss specific injury reports.