technology
Zoox Readies Updated Robotaxi for 2026 Production Ramp
Zoox, the Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company, unveiled design changes to its robotaxi aimed at large-scale manufacturing. The updates include improved visibility features, rider comfort adjustments, and two-way audio. Production at the Hayward facility will support fleet expansion later in 2026.
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Zoox has introduced an updated version of its autonomous robotaxi built for higher-volume production. The company, acquired by Amazon in 2020, said the new model retains the boxy shape introduced that year while adding modifications for visibility, rider interaction, and interior comfort.
The bidirectional reflectors were relocated for better visibility and now rotate colors to distinguish the vehicle's front from its rear.
The door speaker and microphone gained two-way audio to allow communication between riders and road users or first responders. Inside, the vehicle features a lighter color scheme with monochrome aloe green seating and stone-grey flooring, plus added padding and ergonomic curves on the bench seats and headrests.
The touchscreen was made more vivid and cupholders were enlarged, though the four-passenger layout facing inward remained unchanged.
Zoox launched its robotaxi service on the Las Vegas Strip in September 2025. The updated vehicles will join the fleet later in 2026 as they come off the production line at the company's facility in Hayward, California. The company stated it can scale output to as many as 100 vehicles per week to support expansions throughout 2026, subject to regulatory approval.
