- Amazon’s self-driving company says the two cities will present unique challenges to its systems.
- A fleet of specially-equipped Toyota Highlanders will soon hit the roads.
- Zoox also continues to test its bespoke robotaxis in the western U.S.
Zoox will start to test its autonomous vehicles in Austin and Miami, despite Amazon’s robotaxi division being investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over two recent crashes.
The company will roll out a fleet of modified Toyota Highlanders with safety drivers in small areas around Austin and Miami, near business and entertainment districts. This will be the first time the company has tested its self-driving vehicles outside the western United States. Zoox is currently testing its vehicles in San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Seattle.
Read: Feds Request Footage Of Crashes Involving Zoox Autonomous Prototypes That Braked Suddenly
Zoox’s self-driving vehicles have covered millions of miles in diverse environments and conditions. The firm says the initial deployment of vehicles in Austin and Miami will allow it to gather valuable insights and feedback about the vehicles. It will also be able to fine-tune its autonomous driving systems in dense urban areas.
Autonomous prototypes will be tested along pre-planned routes designed to offer the most challenging driving features and scenarios while random point-to-point routes will also be selected and driven in a defined geofence area. The two cities will offer unique challenges.
For example, Austin has horizontal traffic lights, railway crossings, traffic lights hanging from wires, and thunderstorms. Miami will also pose a challenge as it has traffic lights suspended diagonally across intersections.
Zoox will not deploy its purpose-built robotaxi in Austin or Miami “just yet” and remains committed to commercializing its robotaxi service in Las Vegas and San Francisco.
“We’re not here to impose – we’re here to be a valuable resource and a good neighbor in the communities we serve,” the company said.
“ As always, we’re dedicated to working closely with local officials, regulators, and residents to ensure a safe and seamless integration of Zoox into these cities. Our philosophy is ‘no surprises,’ and transparency and collaboration are central to our approach. We look forward to building great relationships every step of the way.”
