Amazon-owned Zoox has unveiled a redesigned version of its boxy, bidirectional robotaxi, calling it the “next evolution” of the vehicle it intends to mass-produce.
The company currently operates a free robotaxi service in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Austin, and Miami. But scaling further hinges on a federal exemption from safety rules that require production vehicles to have traditional controls like steering wheels and pedals — a request still pending with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Unlike competitors that retrofit existing car models, Zoox has gone all-in on a purpose-built design. The vehicle is bidirectional, meaning it doesn’t need to turn around — it just switches which end is “forward.” The refresh brings updated seating, audio systems, and new color options alongside the distinctive boxy shape.
While other robotaxi operators have typically relied on vehicles with familiar nameplates for their fleets, Zoox is unique in its embrace of a purpose-built approach from the ground up. Whether that pays off depends largely on regulatory approval and whether the public trusts a vehicle that looks nothing like a traditional car.
