Zoox's self-driving cars hit San Francisco streets
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Photo: Courtesy of Zoox
Waymo, you've got competition. Zoox's cute little carriages are now available for free rides in the SoMa, Mission and Design District neighborhoods.
The big picture: The Bay Area-headquartered company, owned by Amazon, is rolling out service in San Francisco at no cost to early users. The feedback will allow Zoox to adjust the design and technology as it looks to scale up its operations.
How it works: Riders can select a destination within the current service area from suggested points of interest, can enter a street address or can drop a pin at their desired destination through the Zoox app.
- The company aims to provide a door-to-door experience and says its app will provide walking directions if needed.
- The cars are electric and rely on a system of lidar sensors and cameras.
The intrigue: Zoox's cabin-style robotaxis have already garnered attention with their futuristic look and lounge-style seating.
- They have no steering wheel, unlike Waymos, and can drive forward or backward without turning.
- Because they don't have a traditional front seat, riders sit inside in rows facing each other. The floor-to-ceiling windows also offer a more expansive view of the surroundings.
What they're saying: "Zoox has been testing our autonomous technology in San Francisco since 2017," CEO Aicha Evans said in a press release this week. "It's our home. A city of innovation and progress, with an amazing mobility ecosystem that we feel Zoox can really complement."
- "We have seen incredible interest in Zoox in this market and are excited about this first step to bring our ... robotaxi experience to more people," Evans added.
What's next: The free rides are currently available via wait list on the app.
