Amazon's Zoox has received the first US approval to operate paid robotaxis without human controls, according to Reuters. This approval allows Zoox to charge for rides in its autonomous vehicles. The development marks a significant milestone in the development of autonomous transportation.
The approval enables Zoox to deploy up to 5,000 robotaxis, as reported by Bloomberg. Some of these vehicles may operate without steering wheels and brake pedals, as noted by Associated Press. The rollout of paid robotaxis is expected to begin in Las Vegas, with CNBC reporting that Zoox has cleared a hurdle with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
This development is significant as it represents a major step towards the commercialization of autonomous transportation. The ability to operate without human controls is a key factor in making autonomous vehicles a viable option for public transportation.