Zoox, a car company owned by Amazon, has unveiled a robotic taxi running on electric power without needing a driver.
The single-space body is fully symmetrical and measures 3,630 mm (11.9 ft.) long and 1,936 mm (6.35 ft.) tall. It sports dual doors that slide open and does not discriminate between front and rear end. Specifically, it can change the color of its head – and taillights and go into any direction. Its dual electric motors mounted one per axle take it to 120 km/h (75 mph) max, and dual batteries sum up to 133 kilowatt-hours of charge. The driving range is not revealed, but the startup claims a full charge is sufficient for 16 hours of driving.
The lighting outside is LED-based, and the robotic car emits warning sounds if it encounters a problem. It uses cameras and sensors to scan the area within a 150-meter radius (500 feet). It needs no more than 8.6 meters (28 feet) of turn radius and comes with “a plethora of innovative safety solutions”, according to the manufacturer.
The cabin takes up to four passengers with their luggage. Airbags are provided for protection on all sides, and the ceiling exploits the popular “starry sky” theme.
Zoox claims the vehicle is nearly ready for mass production. The actual launch date remains to be announced, but self-driving tests have already begun near the company HQ in Foster City, CA, as well as in San Francisco and Las-Vegas.