For years, Las Vegas has been a proving ground for self-driving cars. Now the technology is moving into one of the city’s busiest and most important locations, as Amazon-owned Zoox brings its robotaxi service directly to Harry Reid International Airport. The move could turn a futuristic ride into a practical alternative for travelers arriving in Las Vegas.
• Zoox is expanding its commercial robotaxi service to Harry Reid International Airport
• Airport rides begin Thursday
• The move gives Zoox access to a major ride-hailing destination
The expansion follows a major turning point for Zoox. In August, federal safety regulators granted the company a temporary two-year exemption covering eight federal vehicle safety standards. The exemption allows Zoox to deploy up to 2,500 vehicles per year, clearing a significant regulatory hurdle for its unusual robotaxi design.
• The exemption helped Zoox begin commercial operations
• Zoox can deploy up to 2,500 vehicles annually under the exemption
• The company’s robotaxi has no traditional steering wheel or pedals
Zoox has spent more than a decade developing its autonomous driving technology and purpose-built vehicles. After beginning to charge passengers for rides on August 10, the company quickly signaled plans for further growth, including testing in San Diego and Houston and the release of its safety framework. The airport expansion is another sign that Zoox is shifting from experimentation toward a larger commercial operation.
• Zoox has been developing its technology for more than a decade
• Paid rides began in Las Vegas in August
• Testing is planned for San Diego and Houston
The airport could also give Zoox a practical advantage over traditional ride-hailing services. The company says its robotaxis will collect and drop off passengers near baggage claim at both terminals. Uber and Lyft passengers heading from the airport typically have to walk several minutes from baggage claim to pickup areas located in a nearby parking garage.
• Zoox will serve both airport terminals
• Pickup and drop-off points will be near baggage claim
• Uber and Lyft pickups require a longer walk from baggage claim
Zoox may have the airport largely to itself for now, yet Las Vegas is about to become far more crowded with autonomous vehicles. Tesla, Uber and Waymo recently received permits to operate commercial robotaxis across Clark County. The permits could allow as many as 8,000 robotaxis to be deployed over the next year, setting the stage for an intense battle over who controls the future of transportation in Las Vegas.
• Zoox currently operates the only robotaxi service to the airport
• Tesla, Uber and Waymo are preparing to enter the market
• Up to 8,000 robotaxis could be deployed across Clark County over the next year
Via: Tech Crunch
