Topic
robotaxis
Technology For the First Time, Zoox Can Charge People for Rides in Its Steering-Wheel-Free Robotaxis
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) granted Amazon subsidiary Zoox a two-year exemption to deploy up to 5,000 steering-wheel-free robotaxis and charge for rides. Zoox will begin paid operations in Las Vegas, having already transported over 500,000 riders free of charge. The approval marks a milestone for autonomous vehicles built without traditional controls, subject to heightened oversight and safety reporting.
Technology Can China Repeat Its Electric Vehicle Success with Robotaxis?
Chinese robotaxi companies like Baidu, WeRide, and Pony.ai are testing commercial services in Beijing, building on the country's massive EV industrial ecosystem. However, extreme weather and unique driving environments abroad may limit rapid global expansion, according to industry executives.
Technology Waymo's Virtual Human Driver Enhances Robotaxi Safety
Waymo has developed a virtual human driver model, ReD, to enhance the safety of its autonomous vehicles. This model simulates human driving behavior to improve accident avoidance, working with Delft University of Technology and other partners.