The U.S. government’s highway safety agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is investigating Amazon’s self-driving robotaxi unit developed by Zoox after two crashes involving its vehicles. Both crashes involved Toyota Highlander SUVs with autonomous driving technology, and the motorcyclists involved suffered minor injuries. The agency will focus on evaluating the performance of the company’s automated driving system during the crashes and how it behaves in crosswalks around pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. Zoox has stated that it will collaborate with NHTSA to answer its questions, emphasizing the importance of transparency and regulatory cooperation.
Zoox reported the crashes under an order issued to automated vehicle companies in 2021. Amazon acquired Zoox in June of 2020 for over $1 billion, and the company has been making progress in deploying autonomous vehicles. In 2023, Zoox’s four-person shuttles autonomously carried employees on a mile-long route, showcasing the company’s advancements in autonomous transportation technology. Analysts speculate that Amazon may utilize the Zoox system for autonomous deliveries in the future, as the company has launched a shuttle service exclusively for its employees. The Zoox shuttles are unique in design, with a carriage-style interior featuring two benches facing each other, and are capable of reaching speeds of up to 75 mph.
Prior to the recent investigation, Zoox was already under scrutiny by NHTSA. In March of 2022, the agency began looking into the company’s certification that its vehicles met federal safety standards for motor vehicles. The investigation aimed to determine if Zoox used its own test procedures to bypass certain federal standards due to the robotaxi’s unique configuration. The outcome of this previous investigation may shed light on the current evaluation of Zoox’s automated driving system in response to the recent crashes involving its vehicles. It is crucial for companies like Zoox to ensure that their autonomous driving technology meets stringent safety standards and regulations to prevent accidents and protect road users.
The development and deployment of autonomous vehicles have raised concerns regarding safety and regulatory compliance. As companies like Zoox and Amazon continue to innovate in the autonomous transportation space, it is imperative that they work closely with regulatory authorities like NHTSA to ensure that their technology meets the highest standards of safety and reliability. Collaboration between industry players and government agencies is essential to address potential risks and challenges associated with self-driving vehicles. The outcomes of the ongoing investigations into Zoox’s automated driving system will provide valuable insights into the future of autonomous transportation and the regulatory landscape governing its implementation.
Both Zoox and NHTSA are committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the recent crashes involving Amazon’s self-driving robotaxi unit. The outcomes of these investigations will inform the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles in the future, shaping the regulatory framework that governs their operation on public roads. As technology evolves, it is essential for companies and regulators to work hand in hand to ensure the safety and effectiveness of self-driving vehicles. The results of the investigations will play a key role in determining the next steps for companies like Zoox and Amazon in their pursuit of safe and reliable autonomous transportation solutions.
