Amazon’s Zoox Recalls Robotaxi Software After Crash in Las Vegas

Amazon-owned self-driving car company Zoox has issued a software recall for all 270 of its vehicles following a crash involving one of its robotaxis in Las Vegas. The incident, which occurred on April 8th, involved an unoccupied Zoox robotaxi colliding with a passenger vehicle. The company rolled out a software update between April 16th and 17th to address a potentially dangerous situation that could occur when the vehicle is operating at speeds over 40mph and encounters another vehicle approaching from a perpendicular driveway. The update was aimed at preventing the robotaxi from making inaccurate predictions and causing accidents in such scenarios.

In a press release, Zoox stated that the crash resulted in only minor damage to both vehicles and no injuries were reported. The company voluntarily reported the incident to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and shared details of the event in a safety recall report.

This is not the first time Zoox has faced issues with its software. A previous recall in March addressed incidents where its robotaxis performed sudden hard braking, leading to rear-end collisions with approaching motorcyclists. The company implemented a software update in November to prevent such occurrences.

The safety of autonomous vehicles is a crucial concern as companies like Zoox continue to develop and test self-driving technology. This latest software recall underscores the importance of thorough testing and continuous improvement in ensuring the safety of both passengers and other road users. As the industry evolves, it is imperative for companies to prioritize safety and transparency in their operations to build trust with the public and regulators.