Zoox has given its custom-built robotaxi a makeover — and never simply to make it look sharper. The Amazon-owned firm revealed Wednesday a collection of upgrades to the consolation and performance of its electrical, autonomous car primarily based on rider suggestions and forward of what it hopes will probably be a industrial launch later this yr.
The core options of the Zoox robotaxi stay. The cube-like electrical, autonomous robotaxi nonetheless lacks a steering wheel and different controls. The corporate saved the moonroof and starry evening lights in addition to the 40 cameras, radars, lidars, and infrared sensors, which assist the robotaxi understand the atmosphere round it. And the car nonetheless drives bidirectionally, has four-wheel steering, and may transport 4 folks at speeds of as much as 75 miles per hour.
As a substitute, Zoox has made a collection of design and product tweaks required for a robotaxi that shuttles 1000’s of riders. At the least, that’s Zoox’s hope.
On the within, Zoox has added extra padding and ergonomic curves to each the seats and headrests, and up to date the colour, materials, and end with a lighter palette of aloe-green seating and stone-grey flooring and trim.
The lighter shade palette creates a calmer atmosphere, in accordance with Zoox.
It additionally offers the type of contrasting backdrop that makes it straightforward to identify frequent objects, like smartphones. Different inside adjustments embrace including fluting on the charging pad to maintain telephones in place, enlarging the cupholders, and a extra seen touchscreen.
On the surface, Zoox has relocated its bidirectional reflectors for higher visibility and added a brand new speaker and microphone to the door interface in addition to two-way audio capabilities. The corporate mentioned the upgrades will enhance communication with riders and different highway customers, in addition to between Zoox Assist and first responders.
The concept, in accordance with Chris Stoffel, director of robotic industrial design and studio engineering at Zoox, is for a easy elevated inside design that doesn’t demand a rider’s consideration like so most of the options present in in the present day’s passenger vehicles.
“The updates we’ve made to this iteration of our purpose-built robotaxi proceed to additional distinguish the Zoox expertise from anything out there in the present day,” he mentioned in an announcement.
There are sensible causes for the design adjustments as nicely.
Final yr, Zoox opened a production facility in Hayward, California, the place the corporate expects to at some point construct 10,000 robotaxis per yr. The enhancements have been made in preparation of quantity manufacturing, which Zoox says can attain as much as 100 automobiles per week.
Zoox nonetheless has one main hurdle to move earlier than it’s going to launch manufacturing in earnest — or provide paid rides.
The corporate has requested a industrial exemption for its robotaxi since its lacks commonplace controls mandated by federal regulation. A public remark interval has closed and Zoox is awaiting a choice by the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration, which gave the corporate an exemption in August 2025 to show its custom-built robotaxis on public roads.
If it receives approval, Zoox will introduce paid rides, the corporate mentioned.
For now, the corporate is testing and offering free rides in Austin, Texas; San Francisco; Las Vegas; and Miami, Florida.
Whenever you buy by hyperlinks in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t have an effect on our editorial independence.
