Zoox Launches Robotaxi Service in San Francisco

Amazon-owned Zoox is set to launch its autonomous vehicle service, starting with employee rides in San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood and on the Las Vegas Strip in the coming weeks. The rollout is part of a phased approach, with a future 'explorer' program allowing selected users free rides before transitioning to paid services. Zoox aims to operate its vehicles during peak hours and plans significant expansion in both cities over the next year, with large-scale production anticipated by 2026. This announcement comes amidst a competitive landscape of autonomous vehicle companies, including Waymo and Cruise, which have also tested and deployed services in San Francisco. Zoox's vehicles are uniquely designed without steering wheels or pedals, emphasizing passenger comfort. The company has confirmed it has met the necessary safety benchmarks required for launch.