Zoox has started mapping the streets of Dallas, Texas, and Phoenix, Arizona, as a precursor to testing its autonomous vehicles in these two Sun Belt cities. The company announced on Monday that it had sent a small number of retrofitted Toyota Highlander SUVs to each city, where workers will drive them to help Zoox’s autonomous software understand the local environments.
Key Takeaways
Zoox has begun mapping streets in Dallas and Phoenix as part of its expansion plan for testing autonomous vehicles. The company announced it would send retrofitted Toyota Highlander SUVs to these cities, where workers will drive them to help Zoox's software understand local environments.
- Zoox plans to start testing self-driving systems using these SUVs before switching to purpose-built robotaxis.
- Expansion brings Zoox operations to 10 U.S. markets including Atlanta and Las Vegas.
- The company is currently offering free rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco through its early-rider program, having driven over a million autonomous miles and ferried over 300,000 passengers.
- Zoox will need federal approval for commercial operation of its purpose-built AVs without steering wheels or pedals.
Zoox plans to begin testing its self-driving system using these SUVs in both cities before switching to its purpose-built robotaxis. The expansion brings Zoox's operations to 10 U.S. markets, including Atlanta, Austin, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.
The company is currently offering free rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco through its early-rider program. Zoox has driven more than a million autonomous miles in these cities and ferried over 300,000 passengers. The expansion to Dallas and Phoenix will allow Zoox to collect data in areas with different conditions compared to the dense metros where it currently operates.
Zoox is still waiting for federal approval of its purpose-built autonomous vehicle (AV) to launch a true commercial robotaxi service, as the vehicle does not have a steering wheel or pedals. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration granted Zoox an exemption last August to demonstrate its AVs on public roads but further exemptions are needed for commercial operation.
Additionally, Zoox will need permission from local agencies that oversee ride-hailing operations. This is the first time Zoox will be operating in Arizona, which has been a hotbed for autonomous vehicle testing due to its permissive regulations, flat terrain, and warm weather. The company plans to open depots in Dallas and Phoenix, as well as a new command center in Scottsdale, creating hundreds of new jobs.
These 'fusion centers' house fleet operations teams that handle tasks like remote guidance and rider support, providing real-time coordination to help vehicles navigate complex scenarios. The expansion comes as Zoox competes with other major players in the autonomous vehicle market, such as Alphabet's Waymo and Tesla.
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