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Toyota testing small drone system to aid off-road driving

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Toyota Motor is exploring the use of small drones to enhance safety and visibility for vehicles operating on rough or unpaved terrain, according to a filing with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The proposed system would help drivers gain a better view of their surroundings — including obstacles beneath or around the vehicle — allowing them to plan safer routes. “At times, operators may fly a drone above the treeline to capture terrain videos,” Toyota noted in its letter to the FAA. Most drone flights would remain close to the vehicle, the filing said.

The initiative coincides with a U.S. Transportation Department proposal to expand drone operations beyond the operator’s line of sight, a step expected to accelerate commercial drone applications. Toyota submitted comments on the proposal, revealing its ongoing research into the technology.

While the company has not confirmed any product rollout, a spokesperson stated that Toyota “is constantly working on new technologies in various fields” but has “no product plans to announce at this time.”

The Transportation Department said relaxing current drone restrictions could significantly expand their use in manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics, including the delivery of essential medical supplies.

Waymo Recalls 1,200 Self-Driving Vehicles Over Barrier Collision Risks

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Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle division, is recalling 1,212 self-driving vehicles in the U.S. to fix a software issue that led to minor collisions with chains, gates, and other stationary barriers, the company disclosed on Wednesday.

The recall follows a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) probe initiated in May 2024, investigating reports that Waymo’s robotaxis had engaged in unsafe driving behaviors and failed to avoid clearly visible objects.

Key Details of the Recall:

  • Number of vehicles affected: 1,212 running the fifth-generation automated driving system.

  • Issue: Software misinterpretation of fixed road barriers, such as chains, poles, and gates.

  • Known incidents: 16 minor collisions (2022–late 2024), no injuries reported.

  • Resolution: A software update initiated in November 2024 and fully deployed by December.

  • Total Waymo fleet: Over 1,500 vehicles currently active in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Austin.

  • Expansion plans: Services launching soon in Atlanta, Miami, and Washington, D.C.

“Our record of reducing injuries over tens of millions of fully autonomous miles driven shows our technology is making roads safer,” Waymo said.

Ongoing Scrutiny

  • The NHTSA investigation remains open, focusing on multiple incidents where Waymo vehicles collided with obvious obstacles that a human driver would typically avoid.

  • In a similar trend, self-driving rivals like GM’s Cruise and Amazon’s Zoox have also been hit with recalls:

    • Cruise was penalized after a serious pedestrian injury in 2023, prompting GM to slash funding.

    • Zoox recalled 270 vehicles last week after a Las Vegas crash involving an unoccupied robotaxi.

Waymo’s Recent Recall History

  • February 2024: 444 vehicles recalled due to faulty predictions of towed vehicle movement.

  • June 2024: 670+ vehicles recalled after a collision with a wooden utility pole in Phoenix.

Despite the recent setbacks, Alphabet shares rose 4% on Wednesday, as investors focused on the broader AI and mobility potential of Waymo.

The recall underscores both the promise and fragility of autonomous driving technology, as companies balance innovation with public safety and regulatory compliance in increasingly complex urban environments.