Zoox unveils redesigned robotaxi before expansion

• Redesigned features include higher-quality touchscreens, more comfortable seats, and enlarged bidirectional reflectors to help distinguish the vehicle's front from rear
• Zoox currently offers free rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco, with limited employee testing in Miami and Austin, while competitor Waymo has surpassed 500,000 weekly paid rides across 10 U.S. cities
• The company is awaiting NHTSA approval to operate up to 2,500 robotaxis commercially and plans to begin large-scale production at its San Francisco Bay Area facility later this year

Summary: Zoox Unveils Redesigned Robotaxi Before Expansion

Amazon-owned Zoox unveiled an upgraded version of its distinctive toaster-shaped autonomous vehicle Wednesday, featuring enhanced comfort and safety elements ahead of planned U.S. expansion in 2024.

Key Upgrades:

• Improved touchscreens, more comfortable seats and headrests
• Interior modifications to help passengers locate forgotten items
• Enlarged and relocated bidirectional reflectors to better distinguish front from rear

Market Position:

Zoox significantly trails industry leader Waymo, which recently exceeded 500,000 weekly paid rides across 10 U.S. cities and plans international expansion to London and Tokyo. By comparison, Zoox has served just over 500,000 total riders since launching in Las Vegas in September 2023.

Current Operations:

• Free rides currently available in Las Vegas and San Francisco
• Employee-only service in Miami, Austin, and six other U.S. cities
• March 2024 partnership with Uber to integrate robotaxis into its Las Vegas ride-hailing app

Expansion Plans:

The company aims to launch paid service and expand to additional markets later this year. However, commercial deployment faces a critical hurdle: Zoox awaits National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) approval to operate up to 2,500 autonomous vehicles commercially. The petition remains under NHTSA review following public comment closure in April.

Production Timeline:

The redesigned vehicle represents Zoox's "production intent" model, expected to join the existing fleet later this year. Large-scale manufacturing will begin at the company's San Francisco Bay Area facility.

Background:

Amazon acquired Zoox in 2020. The vehicles feature no steering wheel or pedals, with four inward-facing carriage-style seats creating a shuttle-like experience.