Rising Tensions: Anti-Robot Sentiment Targets Self-Driving Cars in San Francisco

In January 2026, Doug Fulop, a tech industry worker, experienced a frightening encounter while riding in a self-driving Waymo vehicle in San Francisco. During the ride home from a night out, a man confronted the car, expressing violent anger towards the passengers for "giving money to a robot." The assailant punched the car's windows and attempted to lift the vehicle, threatening Fulop and his companions. This incident highlights a growing trend of hostility towards autonomous vehicles, which have been operating in San Francisco for nearly four years.

New York Times

Since the introduction of self-driving cars in San Francisco, public reactions have varied widely. While many embrace the technology, others have expressed strong opposition, leading to protests and aggressive encounters. The design of these vehicles, which includes a safety feature that halts movement when a person is nearby, has inadvertently created a situation where individuals can exploit this function to harass passengers.

New York Times

Fulop's experience is not isolated. In 2024, another incident involved a man attempting to disable a self-driving car by covering its sensors while passengers were inside. Additionally, a video surfaced showing three women trapped in a Waymo as vandals spray-painted the vehicle. These events underscore the potential dangers faced by passengers in autonomous cars, who may find themselves vulnerable during anti-robot demonstrations.

New York Times

The aggressive behavior towards self-driving cars reflects a broader societal unease with automation and technology. Critics argue that the presence of autonomous vehicles threatens traditional jobs and disrupts the urban landscape. The emotional responses, such as those exhibited by Fulop's attacker, suggest a deep-seated frustration with the rapid advancement of technology, which some perceive as encroaching on human roles and interactions.

New York Times

While there have been no formal responses from Waymo regarding the specific incidents, the company has previously emphasized its commitment to safety and the responsible deployment of autonomous vehicles. Local authorities have also been urged to address the rising tensions and ensure the safety of both passengers and pedestrians in the face of growing anti-robot sentiment.

New York Times

There is a lack of comprehensive data on the frequency and nature of violent incidents involving self-driving cars. While some reports highlight isolated confrontations, others suggest a more systemic issue of public hostility towards automation. Further investigation is needed to understand the full scope of these interactions and their implications for the future of autonomous transportation.

New York Times

“We felt helpless,” — Doug Fulop, Passenger

New York Times

“If he had kept hammering on one window instead of alternating, I’m sure he would have eventually broken through,” — Doug Fulop, Passenger

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“It did not seem safe to get out and run, he added, since the man was trying to open the locked doors and said he wanted to kill the passengers.” — Doug Fulop, Passenger

New York Times

As autonomous vehicles continue to integrate into urban environments, the challenges posed by public sentiment and safety concerns will require ongoing attention from both technology developers and city officials.

New York Times