Zoox, an Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company, has officially opened its robotaxi service to the public in Las Vegas. This marks a significant step forward in the development of autonomous transportation, with Zoox claiming the distinction of being the first to operate a purpose-built autonomous vehicle in a public setting. Recent federal approval allowed the company to expand its robotaxi program for public demonstrations.
The service will initially focus on the Las Vegas Strip, providing rides between select resorts and entertainment venues. Zoox intends to gradually expand the service area as it gathers more data and refines its operations.
These fully driverless robotaxis are unique in their design, lacking traditional steering wheels and pedals. Passengers sit on inward-facing bench seats, and the vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive suite of sensors, including cameras, lidar, and radar, enabling 360-degree awareness. The robotaxis currently operate at a top speed of 45 mph.
Beyond Las Vegas, Zoox has plans to launch its robotaxi service in San Francisco and is actively conducting testing in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Austin. The company aims to deploy a total of 50 vehicles between Las Vegas and San Francisco.
Users can hail a ride via the Zoox app, which provides real-time information such as estimated wait times and vehicle details. A ‘help’ button within the app offers immediate access to remote operators for assistance and support during the ride.