A Toyota SUV modified by Amazon subsidiary Zoox to combine radar, lidar and cameras to test its software on the road in front of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, in January Traveling on 3rd 2023.
Patrick T. Fallon AFP | Getty Images
U.S. safety regulators have launched an investigation AmazonTwo self-driving SUVs of its robotaxi company Zoox suddenly braked and were rear-ended by motorcyclists.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Monday it had launched an investigation after two Toyota Highlanders equipped with Zoox self-driving technology unexpectedly braked. In both incidents, the motorcyclists collided with Zoox vehicles, resulting in minor injuries.
NHTSA said each Zoox vehicle was operating in self-driving mode at the time of the crash. Both collisions occurred during daylight hours and were within the operational design limits of Zoox’s autonomous systems.
The agency’s investigation, which covered about 500 vehicles, focused on the performance of Zoox’s self-driving system, particularly near crosswalks and “in other similar rear-end collision scenarios.”
Representatives for Zoox did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Amazon reportedly acquired Zoox for $1.2 billion in 2020. Zoox has been testing its robotaxis in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Foster City, California. In March, the company explain It is expanding operating routes in these areas to cover larger areas, faster speeds, night driving and light rain conditions.
The company faces a separate investigation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.In March last year, the agency explain It will investigate Zoox’s self-certification in 2022 to show that its robotaxis meet federal safety standards.