How a T-shirt Trick Fooled a Self-Driving Waymo Jaguar I-Pace Taxi
If the driverless taxis promised by companies like Tesla are to become a reality, it’s clear that AI computer pilots will need more robust intelligence. An Instagram user recently showcased a surprising technique to deceive a self-driving Waymo Jaguar I-Pace vehicle, causing it to stop under four distinct scenarios without the use of an actual stop sign.
The individual, known as “jasonbcarr,” creatively used a simple yet high-tech method of virtual deception. Employing a T-shirt printer, he produced a makeshift stop sign that featured an adequate shape, color, and lettering. Filming himself with the assistance of “misterphx,” he stood on the sidewalk wearing the T-shirt as various Waymo taxis passed by.
This duo successfully tricked the Jaguar I-Pace Waymo taxi into stopping multiple times, with just one exception occurring at night when the vehicle rolled past without yielding.
In the final test, during another nighttime scenario where the autonomous vehicle was preparing to turn left, it “saw” the T-shirt and came to a halt. Interestingly, it remained stopped for an extended period, only proceeding once the T-shirt wearer walked away. Jasonbcarr suggested—and many would concur—that the Waymo’s programming interpreted the stop sign T-shirt as an indication from a construction sign holder, awaiting a command that typically signals it is safe to proceed.
It’s amusing that such a straightforward trick can deceive Waymo’s advanced technology. While it may seem simplistic, it illustrates that the self-driving system recognizes signs meant for temporary stops. This is preferable to alternatives, such as self-driving vehicles ignoring regulations or having mishaps, which have made headlines.
As it turns out, if the Waymo can be fooled by a fake stop sign, one might wonder whether it could also be misled into exceeding local speed limits if presented with a T-shirt displaying a higher number. Ultimately, Jasonbcarr left viewers with an important note: “Don’t use this magic trick for evil. Stay safe out there, kids!”
