Amazon’s autonomous vehicle subsidiary, Zoox, has launched a pilot program for its self-driving robotaxis in Los Angeles. On Tuesday, TechCrunch reported that this trial run aims to collect crucial data to establish the foundation for future robotaxi services. Zoox intends to gather mapping data using manually operated vehicles.
Zoox is currently testing its autonomous vehicles in San Francisco and Las Vegas. These vehicles lack steering wheels and pedals. In some areas, they can operate on public roads without safety personnel. Recently, Amazon employees, media representatives, and guests had the opportunity to experience the service firsthand in San Francisco.
The company also conducts autonomous driving tests in Austin, Miami, and Seattle, using modified Toyota Highlander vehicles with safety personnel on board.
This expansion of testing locations is particularly noteworthy as it comes just weeks after Zoox announced a voluntary software recall for 258 vehicles due to issues with its autonomous driving system.
As it stands, Waymo remains the sole autonomous vehicle company in the United States offering paid services in multiple cities. It has ambitious plans to launch commercial services in Atlanta, Miami, and Washington, D.C., within the next two years.
