Amazon’s ZOOX: The Future of Robotaxis is Here

Self-driving functions are expected to be key in the future automobile sector. Currently, global automobile and electric vehicle companies are seeking ways to utilize self-driving in various fields, and to this end, they are continuing to collaborate with various companies.

Amazon has been taking steps to actively utilize electric vehicles and self-driving. First, Amazon acquired ZOOX, which develops self-driving vehicles, for $1.3 billion in 2020. The company is currently preparing to deploy fully self-driving electric vehicles in earnest.

ZOOX’s Robotaxi, First Deployed on Public Roads Last Year

In June 2023, ZOOX received approval to conduct autonomous driving tests with passengers on public roads. Afterward, the first driverless robot taxi (self-driving taxi) was deployed in Nevada, US. However, because it is in its early stages, operations are limited. It has been limited to driving at 35mph for one mile around the company headquarters in Las Vegas, and passengers were limited to company employees.

Robotaxis have also been deployed at the company’s headquarters in California and are being used as shuttles to move from one building to another. ZOOX mentioned that despite its limited operation, it was able to obtain a variety of data by driving on public roads.

Inside Look at the Robotaxi Developed by ZOOX

If you look at the exterior, it has a box shape with rounded corners. The wheels are placed at the edges to make the wheelbase as long as possible, and four-wheel steering is applied to enable precise maneuvering. In addition, various sensors, including lidar, are attached to the upper corner to obtain surrounding information. The doors mounted on the sides open and close by gliding.

On the inside, there are bench-shaped seats facing front and back, and a total of four people can ride. The ceiling is decorated with Milky Way lighting that can be seen in the Rolls-Royce and other vehicles. A cup holder and wireless charging tray are placed in the middle of the seat. There is a display on the seat wall where drivers can set up navigation, entertainment, and air conditioning. As for the powertrain, it is equipped with a dual motor, and the battery is said to have a capacity of 133 kWh, allowing it to drive all day. Detailed specifications have not yet been revealed.

ZOOX Robotaxi Can Be Added to Amazon Prime

Currently, ZOOX has become a subsidiary of Amazon, and it is expected that the ZOOX robotaxi service will be added to Amazon Prime in the future. Accordingly, ZOOX and Amazon are working closely together.

Amazon Prime is a service that offers fast shipping and Prime Video streaming service for $14.99 per month. When ZOOX’s self-driving vehicle is officially launched in the future, it will be used for rapid delivery services. Moreover, it appears that robotaxi services will be provided additionally.