Amazon's Robotaxi Subsidiary Launches Service in Las Vegas

 The startup is entering the market and bringing its first robotaxis to the streets. The company is taking a different approach than its direct competitors.

Amazon's autonomous driving division Zoox has begun offering public robotaxi rides in Las Vegas. In the city and the surrounding region, the rides, which can be ordered via a smartphone app, are initially free for customers.

However, the service cannot currently operate without any human assistance. Employees are to be available at specific locations throughout the city to assist with boarding and alighting.

Zoox is already working on a potential expansion. According to a report by the news agency Bloomberg, the company has also established a waiting list for a similar service in San Francisco, where the robotaxi system was tested, among other locations. However, the company has not yet announced when it will offer rides or charge fares there, pending regulatory approval.

A technological approach that is fundamentally different from the competition

Most autonomous taxis are converted production vehicles with additional steering wheels and pedals. Zoox, on the other hand, has opted for a model that will operate without any driver controls. The vehicles have four inward-facing seats and can drive in both directions.

However, current regulations in the US limit the number of driverless vehicles a company can put on the road. This is unlikely to pose a problem for Zoox, as the market rollout of the taxis is expected to be slow. Furthermore, the number of vehicles is expected to remain well below the threshold as lawmakers consider new regulations for this technology.

Initially, Zoox will offer pickup and drop-off locations at various resorts, hotels, and venues in Las Vegas. In the coming months, the company plans to gradually expand its reach and offer additional destinations.

Share this post