Amazon-owned Zoox is preparing to launch a paid robotaxi service in the U.S. by the middle of the year, in Austin and Miami, as it seeks to catch up with rivals Waymo and Tesla in the fast-developing autonomous vehicle market. The company has already rolled out free rides and built the infrastructure to begin charging customers, but its commercial launch depends on securing regulatory approval, including an exemption for vehicles without traditional features such as steering wheels. Zoox is also expanding its operational footprint, planning to significantly increase coverage in San Francisco and broaden services in Las Vegas, including airport routes. Backed by Amazon since its $1.3bn acquisition in 2020, Zoox is differentiating itself with purpose-built driverless vehicles rather than modified cars, and has struck a partnership with Uber to extend distribution.
