Amazon bringing its Zoox robotaxis to Phoenix as expansion continues

PHOENIX – Amazon announced Monday that its Zoox robotaxi service is coming to Phoenix.

As the autonomous ride-hailing company expands operations after a successful service launch in Las Vegas, it will open a Phoenix depot and a new Fusion Center for mission control in Scottsdale.

Unlike autonomous ride-hailing companies such as Waymo that use traditional vehicles fitted with self-driving technology, the Amazon project built entirely new robotaxis that are designed around the rider.

First, Zoox will deploy retrofitted test SUVs with safety drivers behind the wheel for mapping and data collection in several central Phoenix neighborhoods, including downtown.

The actual robotaxis will be sent out for their testing once the mapping and data collection is complete. There was no timetable provided for when they would be available to the public for rides.

Where else does Zoox have a presence?

Dallas is also getting a new depot as the company expands its presence to 10 markets across the nation. Las Vegas service is live, while testing is planned or underway in California’s Bay Area, Seattle, Austin, Miami, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Washington, D.C.

Zoox is now hiring for the Scottsdale Fusion Center, which will be its third fleet command facility, along with Las Vegas and the Bay Area.

Phoenix’s weather will give Zoox the opportunity to learn more about how its sensors and batteries perform in extreme heat and dusty conditions.

Zoox joins hot market for robotaxi service

The Valley has been at the forefront of the autonomous ride-hailing industry.

Waymo, which started as Google’s self-driving car project, led the way, launching the world’s first autonomous ride service out of Chandler in 2018. The service, called Waymo One, went fully driverless in 2020.

Metro Phoenix residents and visitors can order Waymo robotaxis via the company’s app or through partnerships with Uber and Lyft.

Tesla joined the fray last year. Elon Musk’s electric vehicle company received permit approval from the Arizona Department of Transportation to operate an autonomous ride service with a human safety driver present.

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