Amazon’s Zoox Launches Free Driverless Robotaxi Service Las Vegas

Amazon-owned Zoox has officially launched its fully autonomous robotaxi service to the public in Las Vegas, offering free rides initially as it seeks regulatory approval to begin paid operations. The company’s fleet features unique, purpose-built electric vehicles without steering wheels or pedals, where passengers face each other, distinguishing Zoox from competitors like Alphabet's Waymo and Tesla. Zoox has about 50 vehicles operating mainly in Las Vegas and plans to expand to cities including San Francisco, Miami, Austin, Atlanta, and Los Angeles over the next year. The service operates without human safety drivers onboard, relying on remote human assistance when requested, and pickups occur at designated locations such as Resorts World Las Vegas and AREA15. Zoox aims to refine the ride-hailing experience through this phased launch, gradually increasing service areas and destinations before implementing paid rides. This move positions Zoox as a significant new competitor in the U.S. robotaxi market, which has been dominated by Waymo since 2020.