Zoox has revamped its custom robotaxi, and not just to make it look sharper. The Amazon-owned company on Wednesday revealed a series of improvements to the comfort and operation of its electric and autonomous vehicle based on user feedback and ahead of what it hopes will be a commercial launch later this year.
The central characteristics of the Zoox Robotaxi stay. The cube-shaped autonomous electric robotaxi still lacks a steering wheel and other controls. The company kept the sliding roof and starry night lights, as well as the 40 cameras, radars, lidars and infrared sensors, which help the robotaxi perceive the environment around it. And the vehicle still drives two-way, has four-wheel steering, and can carry four people at speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour.
Instead, Zoox has made a number of design and product adjustments necessary for a robotaxi that carries thousands of passengers. At least that’s Zoox’s hope.
Inside, Zoox has added more padding and ergonomic curves to both the seats and headrests, and updated the color, material and finish with a lighter palette of aloe green seats and stone gray floors and trim.
The lighter color palette creates a calmer environment, according to Zoox.
It also provides the kind of contrasting background that makes it easier to detect common objects, such as smartphones. Other interior changes include adding slots to the charging pad to keep phones in place, enlarging the cupholders, and a more visible touchscreen.
On the outside, Zoox relocated its two-way reflectors for better visibility and added a new speaker and microphone to the door interface, as well as two-way audio capabilities. The company said the updates will improve communication with passengers and other road users, as well as between Zoox support and first responders.
The idea, according to Chris Stoffel, director of industrial design for robots and studio engineering at Zoox, is a simple, elevated interior design that doesn’t demand the driver’s attention like many of the features found in today’s passenger cars.
“The updates we’ve made to this version of our purpose-built robotaxi continue to further distinguish the Zoox experience from any other available today,” he said in a statement.
There are also practical reasons for design changes.
Last year, Zoox opened a production plant in Hayward, California, where the company hopes to one day build 10,000 robotaxis a year. The improvements were made in preparation for volume production, which Zoox says can reach up to 100 vehicles per week.
Zoox still has a big hurdle to clear before launching production in earnest or offering paid rides.
The company has requested a trade exemption for its robotaxi as it lacks standard controls required by federal law. A public comment period has closed and Zoox is awaiting a decision from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which granted the company a waiver in August 2025 to demonstrate its customized robotaxis on public roads.
If approved, Zoox will introduce paid rides, the company said.
For now, the company is testing and offering free trips in Austin, Texas; San Francisco; Vegas; and Miami, Florida.
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