Amazon's Zoox enters robotaxi race, launches in Las Vegas
Share and Follow

() That boxy silver pod cruising the Las Vegas Strip isn’t a futuristic toaster it’s Amazon-owned Zoox’s new robotaxi.

The company began offering rides to the public, free of charge, on Wednesday.

Using the Zoox smartphone app, passengers can select several destinations around the Las Vegas Strip, with staff stationed at certain locations to help with pickups and dropoffs.

Zoox’s robotaxi looks noticeably different from rivals like Waymo and Tesla, as the company opted for a true driverless vehicle. There are no manual controls, such as a steering wheel or pedals, and passengers sit facing each other.

“The idea for Zoox was never to make a car drive itself; it was about creating an entirely new mode of transportation,” Jesse Levinson, co-founder and CTO of Zoox, said in a statement.

A Zoox robotaxi in San Francisco, CA (Credit: Zoox)

San Francisco is next in line, with a waitlist already open but no launch date set. Austin and Miami will follow.

Wednesday’s Zoox launch was more than a decade in the making, but the robotaxi wars are only just beginning.

Amazon bought Zoox for $1.3 billion in 2020, entering a high-stakes autonomous vehicle race that includes Alphabet’s Waymo, Tesla and others.

Waymo is currently offering autonomous rides in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin and Atlanta, with plans to expand further. Tesla began offering robotaxi rides in Austin in June.

Zoox is still awaiting regulatory approval before it can begin charging for rides. For now, passengers can ride free to resort and entertainment properties on and around the Las Vegas Strip.

Once it begins charging for rides, Zoox’s prices will be comparable to traditional taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft, The Associated Press reported.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Conor McGregor 'saw his own death' in hallucinogenic trauma treatment

Conor McGregor’s Psychedelic Journey: How a Hallucinogenic Experience Changed His Life

Conor McGregor credits a hallucinogenic therapy session with saving his life, revealing…
Glamorous ESPN anchor set to become face of Netflix's sports coverage

Star ESPN Anchor Joins Netflix: A New Era in Sports Streaming Begins

In a major development, Netflix is reportedly bringing aboard Elle Duncan, a…
Jimmy Cliff, reggae giant and star of 'The Harder They Come,' dies at 81

Reggae Legend and ‘The Harder They Come’ Icon Jimmy Cliff Passes Away at 81: A Tribute to His Lasting Legacy

NEW YORK (AP) — The world of reggae mourns the loss of…
Biden admin forced airports to house migrants, risk safety: bombshell Senate report

Senate Report Unveils Biden Administration’s Use of Airports for Migrant Housing, Sparking Safety Concerns

A recent Senate report has unveiled allegations that the Biden administration urged…
Maduro dances to his own peace track while US ramps up Caribbean show of force

Maduro Celebrates Peace Amid Rising U.S. Military Presence in Caribbean

During a student rally in Caracas, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro showcased his…
City Council power play will make or break Mamdani's mayoralty

City Council Showdown: Can Mamdani’s Leadership Survive the Ultimate Test?

Come January, a fresh chapter begins for City Hall as new leaders…
Vero Beach, Florida shooting news: Locksmith David Long shot, killed during eviction; alleged shooter Michael Halberstam also dead

Tragic Shooting in Vero Beach: Locksmith and Alleged Shooter Both Dead During Eviction Incident

A tragic incident in Vero Beach, Florida, has resulted in the death…
US-backed aid group ends Gaza mission after defying Hamas threats, UN criticism

US-Backed Aid Group Suspends Gaza Operations Amidst Hamas Threats and UN Disapproval

EXCLUSIVE: On Monday, the U.S.-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) revealed a significant…