US investigating Amazon’s autonomous robotaxi unit Zoox after 2 rear-end crashes

DETROIT– Amazon’s autonomous robotaxi unit is being investigated by the US government’s highway safety agency after two of its vehicles braked suddenly and were rear-ended by motorcyclists.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in documents posted on its website Monday that it will evaluate the automated driving system developed by Zoox.

Both accidents involved Toyota Highlander SUVs with autonomous driving technology. They happened during the day and the motorcyclists suffered minor injuries. In both cases, the agency confirmed that each of the Amazon vehicles operated in autonomous mode before the accidents.

The agency said the investigation will focus on how the company’s automated driving system performed during crashes, as well as how it behaves at crosswalks near pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.

In a statement, Zoox said it is committed to working with the NHTSA to answer its questions. “Transparency and collaboration with regulators are of utmost importance,” the company said. Zoox said the vehicles had human security drivers on board.

Zoox reported the accidents under an order issued in 2021 to automated vehicle companies.

Amazon acquired Zoox in June 2020 for a price analysts estimated at more than $1 billion. In 2023, the Foster City, Calif., company said one of its funky-looking four-person buses autonomously transported employees on public roads on a mile-long route between two Zoox buildings.

The company launched an exclusive transport service for its employees. Analysts say they expect Amazon to use the Zoox system for autonomous deliveries.

Zoox buses do not have a steering wheel or pedals. The vehicle’s carriage-style interior features two seats facing each other. It measures just under 3.7 meters long, about a third of a meter shorter than a standard Mini Cooper. It is capable of reaching 121 kilometers per hour (75 mph), although it has begun traveling on public roads at up to 35 mph, the company said.

Zoox was already under investigation by the NHTSA. In March 2022, the agency began reviewing the company’s certification that its vehicle met federal motor vehicle safety standards.

The agency said at the time that it would verify that Zoox used its own testing procedures to determine whether certain federal standards were not applicable due to the robotaxi’s unique configuration.