Zoox, the autonomous vehicle company owned by Amazon, has unveiled a refreshed design for its boxy, bidirectional robotaxi, calling it the "next evolution" of the vehicle intended for mass production. The company is currently operating a free robotaxi service in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Austin, and Miami while awaiting federal approval for an exemption from safety rules requiring traditional controls like steering wheels and pedals.
Purpose-Built for Autonomy
Unlike other robotaxi operators that rely on vehicles with familiar nameplates, Zoox has embraced a purpose-built robotaxi expressly designed for autonomy. The vehicle's carriage-style cabin features two bench seats facing each other, creating a social environment, and its symmetrical shape allows bidirectional travel without needing to make a 180-degree turn. Zoox says the design is centered around passengers rather than drivers, eliminating traditional driving controls entirely.
Comfort-Driven Upgrades
Based on rider feedback, Zoox has made several improvements focused on comfort. The interior color palette has been brightened with "monochrome aloe green seating and stone-grey flooring and trim," which creates a soothing experience and makes darker personal items like phones and keys easier to spot. The seats now feature better padding and ergonomic curves. After her first ride last year, The Verge contributor Abigail Bassett noted the seats were overly firm, with minimal padding causing road bumps to "travel directly through your seat and into your body." Zoox has since implemented multiple rounds of updates to address comfort levels.
Enhanced Interior Features
The interior touchscreen has been made "more vivid," and the wireless charging pad now includes fluting for greater stability. Cupholders have been enlarged to accommodate popular insulated Stanley cups. Zoox says these changes were made based on direct rider feedback.
Exterior and Communication Improvements
Exterior bidirectional reflectors can now rotate colors to indicate the vehicle's direction of travel. The sliding, elevator-like doors have been upgraded with a new speaker, microphone, and additional two-way audio capabilities. Zoox says these improvements will "ensure clearer communication to our riders and other road users, as well as between Zoox Support and first responders."
Production and Regulatory Status
While the tweaks may appear minor, Zoox says they collectively prepare the vehicle for mass production. The new iteration will enter production at Zoox's Hayward, California facility, which has the capacity to scale up to 100 vehicles per week. The company continues to await regulatory approval before it can begin collecting fares from passengers.
