Amazon’s Zoox Launches Free Robotaxi Service in Las Vegas Ahead of Commercial Rollout

Zoox, Amazon's autonomous vehicle subsidiary, has initiated complimentary robotaxi rides along the Las Vegas Strip as a precursor to regulatory approval for paid services. The move positions Zoox against competitors like Waymo and Tesla in the driverless mobility race.

The company's purpose-built vehicle—a symmetrical, wheel-less pod with face-to-face seating—represents a radical departure from conventional car design. Floor-to-ceiling windows and conversation-oriented interiors underscore Zoox's focus on redefining passenger experience rather than retrofitting existing automotive templates.

CEO Aicha Evans frames the free ride program as both a public education initiative and data-gathering operation. "This isn't just about testing technology—it's about acclimating people to a new paradigm of mobility," she noted during Wednesday's launch. The feedback period precedes anticipated Nevada DMV authorization for revenue-generating operations.