Are Zoox autonomous vehicles the most innovative models in the self-driving space?
Zoox is a subsidiary of Amazon that builds autonomous robotaxis, which look very different from other rivals. The AVs (autonomous vehicles) can fit up to four riders and safely shuttle them to and from destinations.
They’re made for short trips in cities that use ride-hailing services heavily such as San Francisco and Las Vegas. USA TODAY Cars hopped in a Zoox autonomous vehicle to see if it was a safe, comfortable and viable mode of transportation for passengers looking to get around crowded cities.
We hopped in a Zoox AV at Resorts World Casino to experience the robotaxi rideshare service in Las Vegas firsthand. Zoox operates in several busy areas across the Las Vegas strip, making transportation easy for its users. Bookings are made through the Zoox app, and they’re completely free (for now).
The first thing that stands out about the Zoox’s interior is how roomy the cabin is. The vehicle has plenty of legroom for occupants thanks to its bidirectional design. There’s no steering yoke or room for a driver because a driver or staff member isn’t needed for operation. The autonomous vehicle uses a 360-degree sensor suite and an AI system to safely navigate streets and avoid pedestrians.
This design makes the Zoox AV more comfortable than some of its competitors in terms of seating space. It feels like a mobile waiting room, opposed to the traditional back seat of a car that passengers sit in when using some robotaxi services from Tesla and Waymo.
One of the biggest questions about autonomous vehicles and the future of robotaxi services is whether the vehicles can safely transport passengers. The Zoox ride we experienced was completely free of mishaps and didn’t include any awkward driving or positioning moments.
Every Zoox autonomous vehicle is also equipped with a unique airbag system designed specifically for the carriage-like vehicle.
Zoox hasn’t made headlines for major crashes involving vehicle or software malfunctions, especially compared to rivals like Waymo, Google’s robotaxi service. Similar to human drivers, Zoox’s AI and safety systems aren’t infallible, but the test ride vehicle didn’t exhibit any odd behaviors that seemed problematic or scary for occupants.
In some ways, riding in the Zoox AV actually felt safer than being driven by a human rideshare driver because of its fluid, predictable movements and unique interior design. Floor-to-ceiling glass carriage doors help immensely with visibility, making the experience feel safer for passengers who want to monitor the ride from every possible angle.
The comfort level of riding in a Zoox was a welcome surprise for this certified backseat driver. Even when the autonomous vehicle accelerates, it moves with a conviction that feels safe and calculated rather than spontaneous. Its steering and suspension produce a smoother ride quality than most average cars, trucks or SUVs can provide.
Zoox’s spatial audio system allows riders to select music to stream throughout their ride via a touchscreen. The same touchscreen can display ride progress and give riders access to climate controls.
Overall, what was most surprising about riding in a Zoox for the first time was how inviting the experience was versus being scary and off-putting. It felt controlled and relaxing, which may not be what skeptics expect from a robotaxi ride.
In March, the company announced that it is partnering with Uber to offers its services to more riders. Zoox currently operates in Las Vegas, San Francisco, Austin and Miami. Its robotaxi service has racked up nearly two million cumulative miles and hosted over 350,000 riders since launching in Vegas.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at CSingh@Gannett.com.
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