Nuked 
Hey there, tech enthusiasts! Exciting news just hit the streets of Los Angeles, and it’s all about the future of transportation.
Amazon’s autonomous division, Zoox, is rolling out a small fleet of retrofitted vehicles starting this Tuesday. This marks an essential step as the company gears up to offer public rides in bustling cities like Las Vegas and San Francisco later this year.
This initial rollout is not just about testing—it lays the groundwork for a prospective robotaxi service. Unlike its competitor Waymo, which has already launched paid rides in LA, Zoox is still in the early stages and focused on gathering crucial mapping data.
The Toyota Highlanders used will be driven manually at first while integrating Zoox’s advanced self-driving technology. The vehicles are not just a prototype; they represent the company’s broader testing strategy across multiple urban areas.
In addition to Los Angeles, Zoox is actively testing in cities such as San Francisco, Las Vegas, Austin, Miami, and Seattle—showcasing its ambitious plans for the future of urban mobility.
While the expansion comes shortly after a software recall due to braking issues in some models, Zoox is undeterred. The move into LA coincides with Waymo’s established service presence, which makes this a pivotal moment for Zoox.
Will Zoox be able to catch up to Waymo, or will this launch set the stage for more exciting developments in autonomous vehicle technology? Only time will tell!
