Zoox, owned by Amazon, has launched its robotaxi service to the public in Las Vegas, marking a milestone as the first commercial operation of a purpose-built autonomous vehicle, following recent regulatory approval.
The initial phase of the service will offer pickups and dropoffs at specific locations along the Las Vegas Strip, including Resort World Las Vegas, AREA15, Topgolf, and other resort and entertainment venues. According to Zoox, the service will expand to include more destinations over time, indicating a gradual rollout of its robotaxi operations.
Zoox’s robotaxis are designed without traditional driving controls like pedals and steering wheels, featuring bench seating that allows passengers to face each other. The vehicles are equipped with an array of sensors, including cameras, lidar, and radar, and are programmed to operate at speeds typically not exceeding 45 mph, ensuring a safe and controlled environment for passengers.
The company also has plans to introduce a robotaxi service in San Francisco and is currently inviting interested individuals to join a waitlist. While Zoox possesses permits to test driverless vehicles in San Francisco and Foster City, it has yet to secure a permit for commercial robotaxi operations in California. In addition to Las Vegas and San Francisco, Zoox is also conducting testing in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Austin, demonstrating its extensive testing and development efforts.
In Las Vegas, the robotaxis will operate from designated zones at partnered destinations. Resort World and AREA15 will feature exclusive Zoox zones with on-site “Zoox concierges” to assist passengers, providing a seamless and supported experience for users. Rides can be requested through the Zoox app, which provides information such as wait times and vehicle license plate numbers, and offers a feedback option. A “help” button within the app and the vehicle connects riders to remote operators for assistance, ensuring that passengers have access to support when needed.
Earlier this year, a contributor from The Verge, Abigail Bassett, tested the Zoox robotaxis at CES and reported that the seats were thin and uncomfortable. Despite this, the robotaxi performed well on a predetermined route, indicating that while there may be some areas for improvement, the technology is functioning as intended. The current service is somewhat limited, and a fully dynamic, 24/7 robotaxi service is expected to be launched at a later date.
The company intends to deploy a total of 50 vehicles across Las Vegas and San Francisco. According to spokesperson Marissa Wigam, this number will increase to “meet increased demand,” suggesting that Zoox is prepared to scale its operations in response to user needs.
