Amazon’s Zoox Kicks Off Robotaxi Testing in Los Angeles
Amazon’s autonomous vehicle subsidiary, Zoox, has officially hit the streets of Los Angeles—but not with its iconic robotaxis just yet. Instead, the company has deployed a fleet of manually-driven Toyota Highlanders, retrofitted with its self-driving technology, to begin a crucial phase of data gathering and mapping across the city.
These human-operated test vehicles are collecting extensive information on LA’s complex urban environment. Everything from changing road conditions and construction zones to event-related traffic shifts is being analyzed in preparation for the next stage: fully autonomous testing. Zoox expects to begin broader self-driving operations in the city this summer, once its systems are trained on the intricacies of LA’s roadways.
This staged rollout reflects Zoox’s cautious approach. The company's ultimate goal is to launch its purpose-built robotaxis in LA—vehicles designed without a steering wheel or pedals. These futuristic cars are already undergoing non-commercial testing in cities like San Francisco, Foster City, and Las Vegas.
Zoox also has plans to begin offering public rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco later this year, marking a significant milestone in its journey. Additional testing, with a human safety operator on board, is already underway in cities like Miami, Austin, and Seattle.
The expansion comes on the heels of a software recall affecting 258 Zoox vehicles. The issue involved unexpected hard braking, leading to two motorcycle collisions reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The company has since addressed the problem and continues its phased deployment.
Zoox faces stiff competition from Alphabet’s Waymo, currently the only autonomous vehicle company offering paid robotaxi rides. Waymo’s services are live in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Austin, with plans to expand to Atlanta, Miami, and Washington DC over the next two years.
As the robotaxi race heats up, Zoox’s careful, data-driven approach may determine how soon Angelenos will get their first ride in a driverless car.
