Zoox Robotaxis Coming to Uber in Vegas This Year

Las Vegas: Amazon company Zoox plans to put its robotaxis on the Uber app in Las Vegas later this year. Passengers will be able to hail these self-driving cars through Uber, but only after the company gets permission from the federal government.

Zoox needs special permission because its robotaxis don’t have steering wheels or brake pedals. These are called exemptions from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The government is now asking people to share their thoughts about Zoox’s request for these exemptions.

Before making robotaxis available on Uber, Zoox will first start its own robotaxi service in Las Vegas. Right now, Zoox gives free rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco while testing its vehicles.

Here’s something interesting: Many car companies use Uber to reach more customers. Uber works with over 25 companies that make self-driving cars. This includes Waymo, which already has robotaxis on Uber in some cities.

How is Zoox different from other robotaxis? Its vehicles don’t have windshields like regular cars. Zoox wants an exemption from rules about windshield wipers and defrosters. The government has 30 days to hear what people think, but hasn’t said when it will make a final decision.

The head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said we need clear rules for self-driving cars. He wants to make sure these vehicles are safe while also letting new ideas grow.