Executives from Tesla and Waymo appeared before the US Senate to defend the safety of autonomous driving systems as lawmakers scrutinise regulation and accountability.
Senior executives from Tesla and Waymo defended the safety of self-driving technologies during a US Senate hearing, as regulators intensify oversight of autonomous vehicles.
The session highlighted a growing tension between rapid technological deployment and lawmakers’ concerns about public safety, transparency, and accountability.
Lawmakers demand evidence, not promises
Senators pressed executives on accident data, system limitations, and how companies communicate risks to consumers.
Concerns centred on:
- Driver overreliance on partial automation
- Transparency around disengagements and failures
- Regulatory gaps between states
Executives emphasised ongoing safety improvements but acknowledged that autonomy remains an evolving technology.
Diverging approaches, shared scrutiny
Tesla and Waymo represent two very different autonomy philosophies. Tesla relies heavily on camera-based systems deployed widely to consumers, while Waymo operates tightly controlled robotaxi fleets with extensive sensor redundancy.
Despite those differences, both companies face the same core challenge: convincing regulators that safety systems are robust enough for broader deployment.
Regulation struggles to keep pace
US federal regulators continue to rely heavily on voluntary disclosures and post-incident reporting.
Lawmakers at the hearing signalled interest in:
- Stronger federal safety standards
- Clearer definitions of autonomy levels
- Mandatory reporting requirements
However, no immediate legislative action was announced.
Industry at an inflection point
Executives warned that overly restrictive regulation could slow innovation and push development overseas. Lawmakers countered that public trust must be earned, not assumed.
The hearing underscored that self-driving technology’s next phase will be shaped as much by policy as by engineering.
