Zoox

Zoox is a unit of Amazon that develops and deploys robotaxis for urban mobility. Founded in 2014 and acquired by Amazon in June 2020 for a reported USD 1.2 billion, Zoox aims to provide safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable transportation through its purpose-built autonomous electric vehicles. The company's flagship product is a bidirectional robotaxi designed without a steering wheel or pedals, featuring four inward-facing seats to prioritize passenger comfort. Zoox's vehicles are equipped with advanced sensor technology, including elevated "bug sensors" on each corner that provide a 270-degree view of the surroundings. The company's autonomous driving system is designed to handle complex urban environments, operate in various weather conditions, and navigate at speeds up to 75 mph.

As of March 2024, Zoox has expanded its autonomous vehicle testing operations in Las Vegas, increasing the operational area to a five-mile radius around its headquarters and boosting the speed limit from 35 mph to 45 mph. The company also began testing its vehicles in light rain and at night. In Foster City, California, Zoox initiated a pilot program in April 2024, offering rides to employees between office locations during business hours. This marked the first time a purpose-built robotaxi without manual controls operated autonomously with passengers on public roads. Zoox has also announced plans to expand testing to Austin, Texas, and Miami, Florida, deploying a fleet of retrofitted Toyota Highlanders with human safety drivers in select areas near business and entertainment districts.

Key customers and partnerships

Zoox is currently in the testing and development phase, focusing on refining its technology before launching commercial services. The company has partnered with Amazon, which acquired Zoox in 2020, potentially leveraging Amazon's resources and expertise to accelerate development and deployment of its autonomous vehicles. Zoox has also collaborated with local authorities and regulatory bodies to obtain necessary permits for testing and operation, including receiving a California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Driverless AV Pilot permit in February 2024, allowing it to carry members of the public in its purpose-built vehicle within approved areas of Foster City.