It Happens in Vegas: Driverless Taxis Hit the Road

Zoox, the Amazon-owned autonomous robotaxi, will begin commercial operations in Las Vegas in September. This will mark Zoox's first commercial launch, after several demonstration and trial runs in several cities.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has granted Zoox its first-ever commercial exemption to operate a purpose-built autonomous robotaxi, allowing the company to charge fares. Since last September, Zoox has been giving free rides to people in Las Vegas and in San Francisco. More than half a million people have ridden the robotaxi, with another half million on a waitlist.

A Zoox robotaxi in Las Vegas. Image used courtesy of Zoox

The Purpose-Built Autonomous Zoox

Zoox calls its vehicle a purpose-built autonomous robotaxi. Like other self-driving vehicles, the Zoox car uses cameras, radar, lidar, and long-wave infrared sensors, which combine to provide a 360-degree view of its surroundings.

However, rather than adapting an existing vehicle model for autonomous operations, the company designed the robotaxi independently, emphasizing passenger comfort and safety. The four-passenger vehicle has two bench seats, facing one another, in a spacious interior equipped with monitored smart seatbelts, advanced crumple zones, and wraparound airbags. The Zoox cars are equipped with backup systems, and operations are continually monitored.

The wraparound airbags. Image used courtesy of Zoox

The vehicles feature four-wheel steering, enabling each wheel to operate independently, which is necessary to navigate narrow city streets. Since it is bidirectional—with no front or back to the vehicle—it can go in any direction without having to back up and turn around.

While riding, passengers can adjust temperature, lighting, and music. A navigation screen allows them to follow the trip and the estimated time of arrival.

Autonomous Vehicle Tests and Trials

Zoox began development in 2014 and has evolved through several redesigns and tests to its present form. The company first designed its proof-of-concept model in 2015 in a renovated firehouse at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, California. It took its first autonomous drive in a private parking lot.

An early sketch of the present Zoox model. Image used courtesy of Zoox

The team gradually made revisions to the design and the technology. The team tested autonomous technology on a fleet of Toyota Highlanders, eventually testing the vehicles on public roads with safety drivers in 2016. In 2018, the State of California issued a permit to transport passengers autonomously, but with a safety driver. The company joined Amazon in 2020, becoming an independent subsidiary.

Safety testing has included high-speed maneuverability, weather and thermal testing, and crash testing with dummies.

Watch the Zoox undergo a crash test. Video used courtesy of Zoox

Fleets of Zoox robotaxis are currently operating in trials and demonstrations in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Austin, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and Miami.

Next Up: Mass Production and Expansion

Zoox opened a 220,000-square-foot production plant dedicated to Zoox vehicles in June 2025 in the San Francisco Bay Area, supplementing its smaller, original facility in Fremont. The Hayward site is the company’s primary plant for assembling the vehicles, integrating hardware and software, and diagnostic testing. It can produce about 10,000 robotaxis annually.

Assembling a Zoox robotaxi. Image used courtesy of Zoox

The facility uses both robotics and human installation. Zoox has agreements with partners to preassemble major components before assembly.

Once complete, the robotaxi enters a calibration bay for testing. As it rotates, the sensors and navigation equipment, including camera, lidar, and radar, are tested and calibrated. The vehicle also undergoes wheel alignment, powertrain stress testing, and weather evaluation. Finally, each Zoox car takes a test run on a closed track.

After Las Vegas, Zoox is eyeing Los Angeles and San Francisco as its next commercial ventures, beginning as early as next year. Meanwhile, as trials continue in other cities, it has partnered with Uber to supplement its own ride-ordering app. The company also continues to work with the NHTSA and state regulatory authorities.