Video Shows Moment Self-Driving Car Misses Cat in Road

Newly released surveillance footage captures the moment a Waymo autonomous taxi drove over a cat, despite a bystander's attempt to intervene. The video shows a woman crouching beside the stationary vehicle in a San Francisco street. She appears to be trying to lure a neighborhood cat, named "Kit Kat," to safety from under the car. Seconds later, the Waymo taxi moves forward. The company confirmed its vehicle made contact with the cat, which did not survive. In a statement, Waymo said its sensors detected an object but its software classified it as a plastic bag. The company is reviewing the incident to improve its system's detection of small animals. Local residents described Kit Kat as a friendly, beloved pet who often greeted people on the street. The incident has renewed discussions about the challenges self-driving cars face in recognizing unexpected obstacles.