Zoox Seeks U.S. Approval To Launch Commercial Robotaxi Service
Zoox asks federal regulators for exemption to launch a commercial robotaxi service in the U.S.
Matilda
Zoox Seeks U.S. Approval To Launch Commercial Robotaxi Service
Amazon-owned Zoox is taking a bold step in the race to autonomous vehicles. The company has formally asked U.S. federal regulators for an exemption that would allow it to launch a commercial robotaxi service using its custom-built vehicles—designed without steering wheels or pedals. Image Credits:David Paul Morris/Bloomberg This request marks a critical move for Zoox as it pushes to bring its futuristic ride-hailing vision closer to reality. By seeking approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Zoox is looking to overcome legal barriers that currently stand in the way of operating its purpose-built robotaxis. What Zoox Is Requesting According to the company, Zoox submitted a petition for what’s known as a “555 exemption.” This type of request asks regulators to temporarily waive certain Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for vehicles that use new technologies. In Zoox’s case, the petition covers eight safety standards, many of which assume cars must have …
