On May 8th, a self-driving Zoox robotaxi, while stationary in San Francisco, was involved in an incident with an e-scooter rider. The rider collided with the unoccupied vehicle, subsequently falling to the ground directly beside it. Critically, the robotaxi then proceeded to move forward in its autonomous mode. Fortunately, the vehicle did not make further contact with the fallen individual, but the e-scooterist did sustain minor injuries as a result of the initial collision. This close call prompted an immediate halt to Zoox's driverless operations and triggered a thorough internal investigation by the company.
The subsequent review revealed a significant vulnerability in the robotaxi's perception system. It was discovered that when a Zoox vehicle is either completely stopped, moving at an exceptionally slow pace, or on the verge of resuming its journey from a halt, its software may fail to detect "vulnerable road users" if they are lying prone in specific blind spots immediately adjacent to the vehicle. In such scenarios, the system would interpret the absence of detected obstacles as a clear path, thereby permitting the vehicle to move forward. This critical oversight was found to occur only at extremely low speeds, specifically less than 1.1 miles per hour.
In response to this identified flaw, Zoox swiftly developed and implemented a software update designed to rectify the issue. This update has undergone rigorous validation, with its effectiveness confirmed through both extensive simulations and real-world testing scenarios. The company successfully deployed this crucial software patch to its entire fleet of 270 robotaxis within the last week. Following the successful integration of the update and the validation of its effectiveness, Zoox has since resumed its driverless operations.
Despite this recent incident, Zoox has largely maintained a subdued public profile. However, the company did release its inaugural commercial in February, signaling a subtle shift towards increased public visibility. Prior to this, Zoox had been steadily expanding its operational footprint, establishing a presence in Las Vegas before extending its services to San Francisco. While the company has operated somewhat discreetly, it had previously announced its intentions to launch its robotaxis for public use in Las Vegas later this year. This planned initiative is part of an "early rider program," which aims to offer complimentary rides to a select group of individuals. In exchange for these free transportation services, participants will be expected to provide valuable feedback, contributing to the ongoing development and refinement of Zoox's autonomous driving technology. This strategic approach highlights Zoox's commitment to continuous improvement and its deliberate steps toward integrating its robotaxi services into the public transportation landscape, even as it navigates the inherent challenges and necessary adjustments that come with pioneering such advanced technology.