Amazon’s autonomous driving company, Zoox, is set to begin testing its robotaxis in Los Angeles this summer. This marks the sixth testing location for the Bay Area-based venture, which already operates in cities like San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Miami. The company, acquired by Amazon in 2020, aims to bring self-driving technology into the mainstream.
Zoox will start by deploying a small number of retrofitted Toyota Highlander vehicles, equipped with human safety drivers, in a limited area of Los Angeles. The company plans to expand the testing area once safety requirements are met. According to the Los Angeles Times, the testing will lay the groundwork for future commercial services, with plans to welcome public riders in Las Vegas and San Francisco by the end of the year.
Zoox’s vehicles are designed to prevent collisions and protect passengers, featuring over 100 safety innovations. The company is also developing a unique, pill-shaped driverless vehicle intended to resemble a “living room on wheels.” These vehicles will be equipped with lidar technology to navigate dense urban areas.
The expansion into Los Angeles is part of Amazon’s broader strategy to capitalize on self-driving technology. As reported by KTLA, Zoox’s autonomous driving system adapts to specific city conditions, operating within a geofenced area that will expand as safety standards are met.
Amazon’s entry into the autonomous vehicle market is seen as a move to stay ahead in the evolving landscape of transportation and logistics. The company could potentially use driverless vehicles for deliveries, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. TechCrunch notes that Zoox’s expansion reflects Amazon’s commitment to being at the forefront of self-driving technology, whether for moving people or goods.
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