Amazon's Zoox just opened the doors to the autonomous vehicle future, launching its first public robotaxi service in Las Vegas. The cube-shaped, steering wheel-free vehicles are now available to anyone with a smartphone - but there's a catch. The rides are completely free while Zoox waits for regulatory approval to start charging passengers.
Zoox just made autonomous vehicle history. The Amazon-owned company opened its robotaxi service to the public in Las Vegas Wednesday, marking the first time anyone can summon a fully autonomous, custom-built vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals using just their smartphone.
But don't expect to pay for the privilege - yet. These rides come free while Zoox navigates the final regulatory hurdles to launch commercial operations. The company needs approval from federal regulators before it can start charging fares, a process that could take months.
The launch represents a massive milestone for the autonomous vehicle industry. Unlike Waymo or Cruise, which retrofit traditional vehicles, Zoox built its robotaxis from scratch. The cube-like vehicles seat four passengers facing each other, with no traditional front or back - they can drive in either direction.
"This is what we've been working toward for six years," a Zoox spokesperson told TechCrunch. The Foster City, California company began testing on Las Vegas streets in 2023, gradually expanding from a one-mile loop around its facilities to covering the entire Strip.
The service operates within strict boundaries. Passengers can only request rides between five designated locations: Resorts World Las Vegas, AREA15, Topgolf, New York New York, and Luxor. Zoox plans to add more destinations in coming months as it builds confidence in the system's reliability.
Amazon acquired Zoox for over $1 billion in 2020, betting big on autonomous delivery and passenger services. The investment is finally paying dividends as Zoox becomes the first company to offer purpose-built robotaxis to the general public.
The regulatory landscape remains complex. Last month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration granted Zoox an exemption to demonstrate its vehicles on public roads. The decision resolved years of debate about whether vehicles without steering wheels could meet federal safety standards.
