Amazon Enhances Software of 270 Zoox Robotaxis Following Vegas Accident

Amazon-owned company Zoox has recently updated the software in 270 of its vehicles following an accident involving its robotaxi in Las Vegas on April 8.

The update was rolled out between April 16 and 17 to address a dangerous scenario that could occur when a vehicle travelling over 65 km/h approaches another vehicle emerging from a perpendicular road.

Zoox stated that in this incident, both vehicles sustained only minor damage and there were no injuries. The accident involved a passenger car that was rapidly approaching the lane occupied by the robotaxi. Anticipating that the car would continue moving forward, the Zoox vehicle reduced its speed and veered to the right. However, the passenger car halted, completely yielding to the robotaxi and remaining on the shoulder. Consequently, the Zoox robotaxi made a sudden stop, but a collision still occurred.

The company explained that the Zoox vehicle might make an inaccurate prediction that the other car intends to cross its lane. Such a response based on this incorrect assessment could lead to an accident.

Previously, Zoox reported two other incidents where its Toyota Highlander-based robotaxis abruptly braked, resulting in nearby motorcyclists colliding with them. On those occasions, the company also released software updates.

Meanwhile, Zheng Gao, who headed hardware development for Tesla’s autopilot system, has after eight years left his position to join Zoox. He was responsible for developing the hardware supporting Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features.