Zoox readies – Zoox, the Amazon-backed self-driving startup acquired in 2020, has unveiled an updated robotaxi aimed at large-scale production. The changes focus on rider comfort and clearer vehicle communication—while Zoox plans to begin adding the new units to its fleet la
Zoox wants its robotaxi to feel less like a novelty and more like something you’ll actually ride—at scale.
At a recent reveal. the self-driving startup—purchased by Amazon in 2020—showed a new version of its autonomous vehicle designed for large-scale production. The shape still echoes the version Zoox introduced in 2020. but the latest update makes a few deliberate moves toward comfort and easier interaction for riders and people outside the car.
Outside, Zoox relocated the vehicle’s bidirectional reflectors to improve visibility. The reflectors also rotate colors to help distinguish the front from the rear. a practical adjustment for a boxy robotaxi form factor. Zoox also gave the speaker and microphone on the door two-way audio capabilities—so communication can happen not only between riders and road users. but also between first responders and Zoox support.
Inside, the company shifted the atmosphere in small but noticeable ways. The new cabin uses a lighter color palette, with monochrome aloe green seating and stone-grey flooring. Zoox added padding and ergonomic curves to the bench seats and their headrests, drawing on feedback from early riders. It also made the touchscreen more vivid and installed larger cupholders.
Zoox says it didn’t reinvent the basic layout. The vehicle still resembles a single-carriage tram inside, with four passengers facing each other.
This shift toward “rider-ready” touches arrives alongside a push to move beyond pilots. Zoox launched its autonomous robotaxi service on the Las Vegas Strip in September 2025 after months of testing. It plans to add the updated robotaxis to its fleet later this year as they come off the production line.
The manufacturing plan is anchored at Zoox’s robotaxi facility in Hayward, California. While the company didn’t say how many units it intends to add. it said it has the capability to ramp up production for up to 100 vehicles a week to support expansions throughout 2026—subject to regulatory approval.
Zoox Amazon robotaxi autonomous vehicle two-way audio bidirectional reflectors rider comfort Hayward California Las Vegas Strip large-scale production
So it has cupholders now?? That’s how you know it’s real lol.
Two-way audio sounds nice but I’m just imagining it yelling stuff at first responders? Like “turn left” and then everyone’s confused. Also aloe green seats???
Wait did they move the reflectors so the car looks more like a train? I saw something about bidirectional reflectors and assumed it could see both ways better. Not sure how that helps safety tho.
I don’t get why they’re “comfort tweaking” when the main issue is still the rules/regulations. It says 100 vehicles a week but only if approved, so basically nothing is guaranteed. Bet people will still treat it like a novelty on the Strip.