Zoox, an autopilot company under the Amazon flag, made a new round of adjustments to its customized unmanned taxi, focusing on experience, vehicle diplomacy and production readiness. The company hopes to launch commercial services later this year, but pending the introduction of a fee-paying operation, it will still have to await a decision by the United States regulator on the commercial exemption application.
Synchronization of internal and external design
Zoox did not change the core structure of the vehicle this time. The vehicle still does not have a steering wheel or a traditional driving control device, and maintains two-way, four-wheel, four-man, and so on, with a maximum speed of 75 miles per hour. The ceiling skylights, airlights and sensor systems consisting of cameras, radars, laser radars and infrared sensors also continue to be maintained.
The update focused on details. The inside seats and head pillows added more fill and curvature support, and the colour was changed to a lighter green seat and grey floor, and a palette. Zoox believes that this colour helps to create a more peaceful travel environment and makes it easier for passengers to find side effects such as mobile phones.
The company has also adjusted the surface structure of the chargeboard to reduce cell phone slides, and the size of the cup shelf has increased, and the visibility of the internal touch screen has increased.
Car diplomacy is being enhanced
Outside the vehicle, Zoox re-engineered a two-way reflector to increase visibility. At the same time, the door interactive area adds speakers and microphones and adds a two-way audio function.
According to the company, these changes were mainly used to improve the efficiency of communication between passengers, other road users, Zoox support teams and first aid workers. Such interactive capabilities are more important than demonstration design for unmanned vehicles ready to enter open operations.
Quantities and commercialization remain to be regulated
Zoox started production last year in Hayward, California, with a long-term target of 10,000 unmanned taxis per year. According to the company, the current round adjustment also takes into account the volume needs and the current capacity readiness can support the production of up to 100 vehicles per week.
However, Zoox has yet to complete a critical approval to truly start commercialization. As the vehicle did not have the standard control devices required by federal legislation, the company had applied for a commercial exemption. The collection of relevant public opinion has been completed and Zoox is currently awaiting a decision by the National Road Traffic Safety Administration of the United States.
Prior to that, in August 2025, the regulator approved Zoox to display and test this customized vehicle on public roads. Zoox indicated that once new approval was obtained, the company would introduce a paid-by-car service. At present, Zoox has been tested in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Austin and Miami, and has offered free access.