Zoox has revamped its custom-built robotaxi — and not just to make it look sharper. The Amazon-owned company on Wednesday unveiled a series of upgrades to the comfort and functionality of its electric, autonomous vehicle based on rider feedback and ahead of what it hopes will be a commercial launch later this year.
The basic features of Zoox robotaxi remain. The electric, autonomous, cube-like robot taxi still lacks a steering wheel and other controls. The company retained the moon roof and starry night lights, as well as the 40 cameras, radar, lidar and infrared sensors that help the robotaxi perceive its surroundings. And the vehicle still drives two-way, has four-wheel steering and can carry four people at speeds of up to 75 miles per hour.
Instead, Zoox has made a number of design and product tweaks required for a robotaxi that carries thousands of riders. At least, that’s Zoox’s hope.
Inside, Zoox has added more padding and ergonomic curves to both the seats and headrests, and refreshed the color, material and finish with a lighter palette of aloe green seats and stone gray floor and trim.
The lighter color palette creates a calmer environment, according to Zoox.
It also provides the kind of contrast that makes common objects like smartphones easier to spot. Other interior changes include the addition of grooves in the charging pad to keep phones in place, larger cup holders and a more visible touchscreen.
On the outside, Zoox has relocated its two-way reflectors for better visibility and added a new speaker and microphone to the door interface, as well as two-way audio capabilities. The company said the upgrades will improve communication with riders and other road users, as well as between Zoox support and first responders.
The idea, according to Chris Stoffel, director of robotic industrial design and studio engineering at Zoox, is a simple, elevated interior design that doesn’t require the rider’s attention like so many of the features found in today’s passenger cars.
“The updates we’ve made to this iteration of our purpose-built robotaxi continue to further distinguish the Zoox experience from anything else available today,” he said in a statement.
There are also practical reasons for the design changes.
Last year, Zoox opened a manufacturing facility in Hayward, California, where the company expects to one day build 10,000 robot taxis a year. The improvements were made in preparation for volume production, which Zoox says can reach up to 100 vehicles per week.
Zoox still has one major hurdle to clear before it can begin production in earnest — or offer paid rides.
The company has requested a commercial exemption for its robotaxi because it lacks standard controls required by federal law. The public comment period has closed, and Zoox is awaiting a decision from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which granted the company an August 2025 exemption to demonstrate its custom robotics on public roads.
If approved, Zoox will introduce paid routes, the company said.
The company is currently testing and offering free rides in Austin, Texas. San Francisco? Las Vegas? and Miami, Florida.
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