Zoox Robotaxi Testing in Los Angeles - Amazon's Autonomous Vehicle

Zoox Expands Autonomous Vehicle Testing to Los Angeles

Zoox, the autonomous vehicle division of Amazon, has begun deploying a limited number of test vehicles in Los Angeles. This deployment, commencing Tuesday, represents a significant, albeit initial, advancement toward the company’s goal of providing public autonomous rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco later this year.

Data Collection and Future Robotaxi Service

This initiative signifies Zoox’s entry into its sixth city for testing purposes. It is a crucial step in preparing for the eventual launch of a robotaxi service. Unlike Waymo, which currently offers paid robotaxi services in Los Angeles, Zoox remains in the developmental phases.

The current phase involves utilizing manually operated Toyota Highlanders. These vehicles are outfitted with Zoox’s autonomous driving technology to collect essential mapping data. This data gathering will precede more extensive autonomous testing within Los Angeles this summer.

Current Testing Locations and Vehicle Types

Zoox is actively evaluating its autonomous capabilities across multiple platforms. Testing encompasses both the Highlander fleet and its uniquely designed robotaxis, which are engineered without traditional steering wheels or pedals.

The company has recently broadened the operational areas for its purpose-built robotaxi. Testing on public roads is now underway in Foster City, San Francisco, and Las Vegas, all without the presence of a human driver. Recently, Zoox has extended ride access to employees, members of the media, and other approved individuals.

Additional testing is being conducted in Austin, Miami, and Seattle. These tests utilize Highlanders with trained human safety operators present.

Recent Software Recall

The expansion into California follows a recent Zoox voluntary software recall. This recall affected 258 vehicles and addressed concerns regarding unexpected hard braking events initiated by the autonomous driving system.

Competitive Landscape and Future Plans

Zoox’s arrival in Los Angeles occurs after Waymo’s introduction of a fully autonomous commercial robotaxi service in the same city. Currently, Waymo stands as the sole autonomous vehicle company in the United States offering a paid service across multiple cities.

These cities include the Bay Area, Phoenix, and Austin. Waymo intends to extend its commercial service to Atlanta, Miami, and Washington, D.C. within the next two years.

This report has been updated to include further details provided by Zoox.