Amazon's self-driving cab takes passengers onto public roads for first time

February 14, 2023  18:24

A completely self-driving minibus produced by Amazon's subsidiary Zoox is the first to transport passengers on public roads. In addition, the robot cab has no steering wheel or pedals.

According to a statement released by Zoox, tests of its self-driving electric vehicle took place in Foster City, California, on a stretch of road between the two main Zoox buildings. The electric vehicle transported company employees along the 1.6 km road.

From now on, the minibus will regularly transport company personnel along this route until Zoox receives additional regulatory approvals to provide autonomous transportation services to the public.

The company noted that this is the first time a vehicle designed to drive without human control has carried passengers on a public road.

Zoox received permission to test self-driving vehicles in 2020. And in order to test a rudderless cab, the company needs to get additional approval from the regulator.

The Zoox self-driving cab has no traditional steering wheel or pedals and can carry up to four passengers. In addition, the passengers sit facing each other.

The car has no front or rear, and each wheel can turn in any direction, allowing the car to move in any direction. The car is designed for urban driving.

All components of this self-driving cab are duplicated, including the engines and sensors. Two lidars and three cameras are installed in each corner of the car. Two more cameras and five more radars are mounted on the roof of the car at the corners.

On the route to Foster City, the Zoox self-driving cab will travel at 56 km/h.


 
 
 
 
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