Amazon’s Zoox has revealed an updated version of its purpose-built robotaxi, introducing a series of improvements aimed at improving the passenger experience as it prepares to transition from free test rides to paid commercial service.
While the vehicle’s distinctive appearance remains largely unchanged, the latest iteration focuses on practical improvements informed by rider feedback and the operational demands of running a large robotaxi fleet.
Unlike most autonomous vehicle companies that retrofit existing production cars, Zoox continues to pursue a purpose-built approach. Its compact, bidirectional robotaxi has no steering wheel, pedals, or driver controls. Instead, it features four inward-facing seats, four-wheel steering, and the ability to travel in either direction without turning around.
The vehicle can carry four passengers at speeds of up to 75 mph (120 km/h) and relies on a sensor suite of 40 cameras, lidar, radar, and infrared sensors to navigate city streets.
What was updated
The biggest changes are inside the cabin. Zoox has redesigned the seats with additional cushioning and more ergonomic contours to improve comfort during longer trips. The interior has also been updated with a lighter colour scheme featuring aloe-green seating and stone-grey flooring and trim, which the company says creates a calmer atmosphere while also making it easier for riders to spot forgotten belongings such as phones, wallets, and keys.
Other cabin updates include larger cupholders, a redesigned wireless charging pad with raised ridges to help keep smartphones from sliding around, and a larger, easier-to-read touchscreen interface.
The exterior has also received several functional improvements. Zoox relocated its bidirectional reflectors to better distinguish the front and rear of the vehicle, making it easier for passengers, emergency responders, and other road users to identify its direction of travel. New microphones, speakers, and two-way audio capabilities have also been added to improve communication between riders, Zoox support staff, and first responders when needed.
Introducing the next evolution of the Zoox robotaxi.
— Zoox (@zoox) June 24, 2026
Refined through testing, early deployments, and feedback from 500,000+ riders.
More features. More comfortable. Built for scale. And now, moving into large-scale production.
Find out more: https://t.co/U7mYHCDWN0 pic.twitter.com/tDSeFIJMRT
The refreshed robotaxi will be produced in Hayward, California, with the facility expected to eventually produce up to 10,000 vehicles annually, with initial capacity reaching approximately 100 robotaxis per week.
Still Awaiting Approval
Before that production ramp can begin in earnest, however, Zoox still needs federal approval. The company is awaiting a decision from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on its request for an exemption from regulations that require production vehicles to include conventional controls such as a steering wheel and pedals. Approval would allow Zoox to begin charging passengers for rides.
Until then, the company continues operating free robotaxi services in Las Vegas and San Francisco, while expanding limited access programs in Austin and Miami. Zoox has also been testing its autonomous technology in several additional U.S. cities as it works toward a broader commercial rollout.
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