Zoox gave the custom-built robot a makeover – not just to make it look sharp. The Amazon subsidiary unveiled Wednesday a series of improvements to the comfort and performance of its electric, autonomous vehicle based on passenger feedback and ahead of what it hopes will be a commercial launch later this year.
The key features of Zoox robotaxi remain. A robotaxi like an electric cube, an autonomous robotaxi still lacks a steering wheel and other controls. The company has kept a moonroof and starry night lights as well as 40 cameras, radars, lidars, and infrared sensors, which help the robotaxi to see its surroundings. And the car is still two-wheel drive, has four-wheel steering, and can transport four people at speeds of up to 75 kilometers per hour.
Instead, Zoox has created a series of design and product improvements needed for a robot that shuttles thousands of passengers. At least, that’s Zoox’s hope.
Inside, Zoox added more padding and ergonomic curves to both the seats and headrests, and updated the color, material, and finish with a simple palette of aloe-green and stone-grey seating and trim.
A simple color palette creates a calm environment, according to Zoox.
It also provides a different type of background that makes it easier to see familiar objects, such as smartphones. Other interior changes include a groove in the charging pad to store phones, larger cupholders, and a more visible touchscreen.
On the outside, Zoox has removed its dual-directional displays for better visibility and added a new speaker and microphone to the door interface and two-way audio capability. The company said this upgrade will improve communication with passengers and other road users, as well as between Zoox Support and first responders.
The idea, according to Chris Stoffel, director of industrial design for robotics and studio engineering at Zoox, is for a simple high-end interior design that doesn’t require the passenger’s attention like many features found in today’s passenger cars.
“The updates we’ve made to this iteration of our purpose-built robot continue to differentiate the Zoox experience from anything else available today,” he said in a statement.
There are practical reasons for the design change as well.
Last year, Zoox opened a manufacturing facility in Hayward, California, where the company expects to one day build 10,000 robotaxis a year. The development is being done in preparation for volume production, which Zoox says can reach up to 100 vehicles per week.
Zoox still has one big hurdle to overcome before it can go into production in earnest — or even offer paid rides.
The company requested a commercial exemption for its robotaxi as it does not have the standard controls mandated by federal law. The public comment period is closed and Zoox is awaiting a decision from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which has given the company the freedom in August 2025 to demonstrate the custom-built roboaxis on public roads.
If it gets approval, Zoox will launch paid rides, the company said.
Currently, the company is testing and offering free rides in Austin, Texas; San Francisco; Las Vegas; and Miami, Florida.
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