Zoox unveils production-ready robotaxi for U.S. expansion
By
Mike Oitzman
|
August 4, 2026
Zoox plans for the latest generation its robotaxi to become the production version as the company scales production to 100 vehicles per week and continues to rollout service to new U.S. cities. | Credit: Zoox
Armed with feedback from more than half a million riders, autonomous vehicle pioneer Zoox has unveiled the final production design of its purpose-built robotaxi. The company said its latest vehicle will ready its custom, driverless fleet for mass manufacturing and immediate commercial expansion.
Zoox opened its robotaxi service to the public in
Las Vegas a year ago.
Since then, the company has continued to expand the service to new cities across the nation. The Amazon-subsidiary is in a race to harden and optimize its software and ultimately begin revenue-generating rides in Las Vegas. Free/trial service will continue in San Francisco, with new services coming to Austin, Miami,
Dallas and Phoenix
.
What sets Zoox apart from competitors like
Waymo
is what Zoox describes as a
“carriage-like” user cabin
. The Zoox vehicles have no steering wheel or pedals inside the cabin. The vehicle is designed for four adult passengers, who sit facing each other inside the cabin.
In late June 2026, the newest generation of Zoox vehicles was released to the field.
The production generation of Zoox robotaxis features a new color scheme and improved rider comfort features including screen, controls and drink holders. | Credit: Zoox
Inside the new robotaxi
Inside, the cabin shifts to a lighter, more relaxed aesthetic with monochrome aloe-green seating paired with stone-grey trim and flooring. According to the company, it designed the simplified color palette to minimize visual distractions and create a calmer atmosphere for passengers. Beyond aesthetics, the revised materials are built to withstand urban wear and tear while offering higher contrast, making forgotten personal items like phones and bags easier to spot before exiting.
“The updates we’ve made to this iteration of our purpose-built robotaxi continue to further distinguish the Zoox experience from anything else available today,” said Chris Stoffel, the director of Robot Industrial Design and Studio Engineering. “The simplicity of the elevated interior design does not demand a rider’s attention like so many of the features found in today’s passenger cars. Instead, riders can relax and enjoy the space as they are transported throughout the city.”
Externally, Zoox has subtly updates the vehicle to improve visibility and reinforce the unidirectional capabilities of the platform. Reflectors now rotate to a new position and color when the vehicle switches orientation.
This version will become the production version of the vehicle, with production moving to Hayward, Calif. Zoox promises a production rate of 100 vehicles per week as its public service ramps up.
The company is coordinating its public launch with
NHTSA
as it seeks full approval for the unique autonomous vehicle platform. Just last month, the company recalled software from more than 100 vehicles after a
glitch with the vehicles driving in heavy smoke
.
About The Author
Mike Oitzman
Mike Oitzman is a robotics industry veteran and Senior Editor of WTWH Media’s Robotics Group, covering automation for The Robot Report and co-hosting its podcast. With 25+ years of experience, including leadership roles at Adept Technology, Mike founded the Mobile Robot Guide (acquired by WTWH). He is a leading expert on Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), physical AI, and RaaS business models, holding a Systems Engineering degree and an MBA. He can be reached at
[email protected]
.
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