Zoox Robotaxi Hands-On: A Safe But Lagging Start in the Autonomous Vehicle Race

Zoox Robotaxi Hands-On: A Safe But Lagging Start in the Autonomous Vehicle Race

Standing outside a bland corporate park in Las Vegas, I faced a peculiar sight: a boxy, windowed vehicle devoid of a traditional front or back. Sliding doors hinted at passenger access, but the absence of a steering wheel screamed its autonomous nature. This was no ordinary car; it was the second-generation Zoox robotaxi, a purpose-built autonomous shuttle that's been navigating the streets of Las Vegas for the past 18 months. Its bidirectional design, capable of moving seamlessly in either direction, and its somewhat ungainly, toaster-like appearance, made it clear this wasn't your typical ride. This vehicle represents over a decade of development by Zoox, an Amazon subsidiary. While the company has been diligently working on its technology, this CES unveiling marked a rare opportunity for journalists to experience the robotaxi firsthand. In the burgeoning world of autonomous vehicles, Zoox is playing catch-up. Currently, Alphabet's Waymo stands as the sole operator of…