Amazon-Owned Zoox Issues Second Robotaxi Recall After San Francisco Collision

Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company Zoox has issued its second voluntary software recall within a month following a May 8 collision in San Francisco where an unoccupied robotaxi was struck by an e-scooter after braking to yield at an intersection. The scooter rider sustained minor injuries but declined medical attention. Zoox emphasized that the vehicle was stationary at the time of contact and moved only after the rider fell, stopping shortly thereafter without further contact. This recall follows a prior incident in Las Vegas involving a collision between a Zoox robotaxi and a passenger car, raising concerns about the software's ability to accurately predict the movements of other road users. Zoox has shared relevant data and video footage with regulators and has implemented software updates aimed at improving perception tracking and preventing robotaxis from moving when vulnerable road users are nearby. The recalls highlight ongoing challenges in autonomous vehicle safety, especially regarding interactions with vulnerable road users, similar to issues faced by competitors such as GM-backed Cruise.