Amazon Is Testing Robotaxis In California After Passing Highest Safety Trial
By Nicole Rodrigues, 21 Jul 2022
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ZOOX, an Amazon-owned self-driving technology firm, is preparing to bring robotaxis to California. The company announced on Tuesday that its vehicle, which does not require pedals or a steering wheel, has been self-certified and meets all of the requirements for a permit in the state.
Soon to be on the streets is the VH6 robotaxi, a four-seater vehicle with two seats facing each other. Its spacious cabin provides enough space for passengers to store their belongings on the floor. There is also a sunroof and panels by the side of the seats where riders can check their arrival time and location, as well as changing the music and airflow in the vehicle.
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The self-driving car has a four-wheel drive, giving it ease in driving and pickups. Sensors on its top detect people and cars in its vicinity, and when approaching a passenger on a curb or street, it can send out light and sound signals to let them know it has arrived.
ZOOX’s decision to self-certify its VH6 instead of going down the traditional route of applying with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was a way to personally hold itself accountable for any safety issues regarding the vehicle.
In an interview with Forbes, ZOOX’s co-founder Jesse Levinson says that the certification brings it a lot closer to launching the robotaxis to market. He also mentions that it has just passed the highest crash safety standards known in the US and is the first self-driving company to do so.
Its current on-road trial cars are made up of Toyota Highland SUVs that have been decked out in cameras, sensors, and laser lidars. It plans to bring its first self-driving taxis to San Francisco and Las Vegas later this year.
However, an exemption from the NHTSA would also mean that there is a cap on the number of vehicles that can be produced.