In a bold move that’s capturing tech world attention, local engineer Riley Walz has once again proven he’s a master of digital mischief. This time, he orchestrated a massive prank targeting Waymo’s autonomous vehicle network that has tech enthusiasts and San Francisco locals buzzing.

Walz gathered 50 people at what he claims is San Francisco’s longest dead-end street and simultaneously ordered Waymo rides, then deliberately didn’t show up for the pickups. Each participant was charged $5 for the no-show, effectively creating a robotic traffic nightmare.

This isn’t Walz’s first brush with viral tech stunts. Previously, he created “Find My Parking Cops,” an app tracking parking enforcement movements, and “LooksMapping,” a controversial AI-driven app ranking restaurant patrons’ attractiveness. These projects have consistently drawn media attention and sparked conversations about technology’s quirks.

The Waymo prank, which actually occurred in July, was meticulously planned. Participants converged at dusk, ordering rides that would ultimately strand multiple autonomous vehicles in a confined space. Walz described the atmosphere as electric, with participants cheering each time another Waymo vehicle arrived at the dead-end location.

Interestingly, Waymo’s response was surprisingly measured. According to Walz, the company ultimately disabled ride services within a two-block radius until morning, handling the situation with professional composure.

While the stunt might seem like pure entertainment, it raises fascinating questions about autonomous vehicle networks’ vulnerability and adaptability. Walz’s prank can be seen as an impromptu stress test for Waymo’s routing and management systems.

As autonomous vehicle technology continues evolving, such playful investigations might offer unexpected insights into system resilience and potential weak points. For now, Walz has successfully transformed a potential technological disruption into a moment of collective amusement.