Amazon’s Zoox secures US federal approval for steering-wheel-free robotaxis | Science and Technology News
Zoox Receives U.S. Approval for Commercial Deployment of Autonomous Robotaxis
Published: July 30, 2026
Zoox, the autonomous vehicle division of Amazon, has gained approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for limited commercial deployment of its steering-wheel-free robotaxis. This approval marks a significant milestone in the evolving field of autonomous transportation.
On July 27, the NHTSA announced that Zoox may begin charging customers for rides, contingent upon obtaining state and local approvals. The agency granted an exemption from federal regulations requiring traditional human controls in motor vehicles.
NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison confirmed that Zoox has met necessary safety standards thus far. However, he indicated that there would be a gradual rollout, with no vehicles available for immediate public sale. “The systems in place on the Zoox exceed the equivalent performance requirements of a compliant vehicle,” Morrison stated. “But we still want to ensure that the automated driving system will operate appropriately.”
As part of the approval, Zoox is permitted to deploy up to 2,500 vehicles commercially each year for the next two years. The NHTSA will also impose additional reporting obligations on the company concerning incidents such as crashes or improper stops.
Zoox’s vehicles feature a unique design—rectangular, carriage-style models with rows of seats facing one another. The cars can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph) and do not include traditional controls, such as a steering wheel or pedals.
The company has previously offered free rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco and plans to start charging for services first in Las Vegas, with expansion into other markets as state requirements are met.
Supporters of autonomous vehicle technology contend that existing NHTSA regulations are outdated and may hinder innovation. Conversely, critics express concerns that reduced restrictions could transform urban environments into unregulated testing grounds, potentially endangering public safety. Recent incidents involving driverless vehicles, such as collisions with pedestrians and malfunctioning on roadways, have raised alarms about the safety of autonomous transportation.
In response to recent safety concerns, NHTSA’s Morrison urged developers to focus on addressing identified issues, specifically regarding autonomous vehicles’ interactions with law enforcement and emergency responders. Following this guidance, Zoox recalled its fleet of 105 vehicles to implement software updates for improved emergency response capabilities.
Some safety advocates have raised red flags about Zoox’s operational plans without standard vehicle controls. Peter Kurdock, general counsel for the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety group, criticized the lack of substantial data to support Zoox’s claims regarding safety, citing a need for more transparency.
Zoox and Tesla are currently working to enhance their offerings in a market where Waymo, owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet, is a leading competitor. Waymo’s vehicles feature traditional controls and are already operational in several urban settings.
Zoox CEO Aicha Evans emphasized that this approval represents a critical step for the future of autonomous vehicles. “This achievement reflects a shared commitment to enabling innovation while maintaining the highest standards of safety,” she stated.
Amazon aims to scale up production of Zoox’s robotaxis to approximately 10,000 units annually at a facility near Silicon Valley, strengthening its position in the competitive autonomous vehicle sector. Amazon acquired Zoox for $1.2 billion, and the company reports that over half a million passengers have already utilized its vehicles.
