A autonomous vehicle startup Zoox, belongs to Amazonbegan testing the their autonomous “robotaxis” on public roads in California, in the United States. The initiative seeks to present itself as a mobility solution for large urban centers.
Unlike other cars Autonomous, Zoox robotaxis do not have pedals or a steering wheel. According to the manufacturer, the objective of this idea is to limit as much as possible the need for human interference in the vehicle during its daily operation.
“Let Zoox take care of the traffic while you enjoy a smooth, relaxing ride in a spacious cabin designed for you,” says the company. Tests are still restricted at this first moment, but the company is confident.
Currently, odThe California Department of Transit only authorized the robotaxi to transport only company employees on a short journey, approximately 1.6 kilometers, connecting one company building to another during the day.
Zoox’s autonomous robotaxis without physical controls are designed to accommodate up to four passengers in two seats, which are positioned facing each other. The car has airbags and wireless charger for each occupant.
Driving 100% without human interference is the result of a set of state-of-the-art cameras, radars and LiDAR sensors and Autonomous robotaxi batteries are 133 kWhwhich promise to withstand a whole day of work without needing a recharge.
Tech
14 Fev
Tech
14 Fev
“If the vehicle is in a situation where it needs help because it needs to do something it’s not normally allowed to do or because it doesn’t know how to handle a situation, we have what we call a ‘fusion center’. It has trained guidance operators monitoring everything, who will give permission for the car to do something unscheduled. But the control will remain 100% of the car”, says the company.
It remains to be seen whether Zoox will be able to extend the tests to more people beyond the company’s employees. However, the idea is that autonomous robotaxis become popular on the streets of large urban centers in the coming years.
