Amazon's Zoox Launches Driverless Taxi Service in Las Vegas

Amazon's autonomous vehicle subsidiary, Zoox, has officially launched its driverless taxi service in Las Vegas. This marks a significant milestone as Zoox becomes the first company to operate a fleet of vehicles without traditional steering wheels.

The service, which is currently offered free of charge through a dedicated mobile application, aims to increase brand awareness and gather valuable user feedback. The autonomous taxis are designed to accommodate up to four passengers and will initially service five popular destinations in the city, including renowned hotels like The Luxor, Resorts World, and New York-New York.

Unlike conventional taxis, Zoox's vehicles will not make intermediate stops, as they will strictly adhere to predetermined routes. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has granted an exemption for the operation of these steering wheel-less vehicles. In contrast to competitors such as Tesla and Waymo, which modify existing vehicles, Zoox utilizes purpose-built vehicles engineered specifically for autonomous driving, meaning passengers are unable to take control in emergency situations.

Zoox's vehicles are equipped with an advanced array of 18 cameras, ten radar sensors, and eight Lidar sensors, enhancing their ability to navigate complex traffic environments. This setup distinguishes them from Tesla vehicles, which rely solely on eight cameras and lack radar or Lidar capabilities. Waymo's fleet, on the other hand, incorporates 29 cameras along with six radar and five Lidar sensors.

Founded in 2014, Zoox began testing its autonomous vehicles on the streets of San Francisco in 2018. The company plans to expand its operations to additional cities, including Austin and Miami, as it continues to refine its technology. In 2020, Zoox became part of the Amazon family, further solidifying its presence in the autonomous vehicle industry.