Zoox Expands Robotaxi Testing to More Cities
Amazon's Zoox is scaling up its robotaxi operations, launching new pilot fleets in Phoenix and Dallas, and opening a command hub in Arizona. Zoox reports it has served over 300,000 rides since its public launch, bringing its testing footprint to 10 U.S. metro areas.
Zoox, founded in 2014 and acquired by Amazon in 2020 for $1.2 billion, is now expanding its robotaxi testing program to Phoenix and Dallas, bringing its testing locations to 10 U.S. metro areas. The company aims to gather real-world data and refine its autonomous systems before launching commercial ride services. Phoenix will allow Zoox to test its sensors and battery performance in extreme heat and dusty conditions, while Dallas provides a testing ground to refine its AI against diverse weather and complex road networks. Zoox will begin by manually mapping central neighborhoods in both cities with retrofitted SUVs before moving to autonomous operations. Zoox distinguishes itself from competitors like Waymo and Tesla with its purpose-built robotaxis, which lack steering wheels and pedals. These vehicles have been operating on public roads in the Bay Area and Las Vegas, transporting the public on the Las Vegas Strip. The robotaxis feature carriage-style seating, where passengers face each other, creating a social atmosphere. Zoox's early safety record has been mixed, facing an NHTSA probe due to sudden braking incidents. As of January 15, 2026, the NHTSA has logged 116 accidents involving Zoox vehicles in autonomous mode. Zoox is working to improve its safety and has implemented features like a custom horseshoe-shaped airbag system.
