Robotaxis Are Spreading Across the U.S.—and So Is the Backlash

This was supposed to be the year that robotaxis hit Main Street across the U.S., as companies like Alphabet’s Waymo, Tesla and Amazon.com’s Zoox launch AI-powered autonomous rides in dozens of cities.

But as hundreds of robot cars collide with humans, both literally and figuratively, tensions are rising. The problems cropping up in police reports and viral social-media posts range from the concerning to the comical.

Over Mother’s Day weekend, Andy Milheizler’s quiet Atlanta cul-de-sac was overrun with empty Waymo vehicles.

Over 50 empty Waymos just invaded a quiet Atlanta neighborhood circling one cul-de-sac for hours like they own the place.

Would you want 50 empty robotaxis circling your kids’ bus stop every morning? pic.twitter.com/rAmQiR6EVU

— Kim "Katie" USA (@KimKatieUSA) May 15, 2026