Zoox begins mapping Dallas and Phoenix to prepare for robotaxi service

Zoox has begun mapping the streets of Dallas, Texas, and Phoenix, Arizona, as the company lays the groundwork to eventually test its autonomous vehicles in the two Sun Belt cities.

The company said Monday that it had deployed a small fleet of Toyota Highlander SUVs to both locations, where human drivers will operate them so Zoox’s autonomous software can learn the local road networks and driving conditions. After the mapping work is complete, Zoox plans to begin testing its self-driving technology in the SUVs in both cities, then move to its purpose-built robotaxis.

Zoox said the addition of these two new markets will allow it to gather data in environments that differ from the dense urban areas where its vehicles currently run.

Once Dallas and Phoenix are fully added, Zoox will have a presence in 10 cities across the United States, joining Atlanta, Austin, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. The company is already providing free rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco through its early-rider program.

Zoox SAS logged more than 1 million autonomous miles in Las Vegas and San Francisco and has transported more than 300,000 passengers.

The Amazon-owned company is still awaiting federal approval for its purpose-built autonomous vehicle before it can launch a true commercial robotaxi service, since that vehicle was designed without a steering wheel or pedals. Last August, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration granted Zoox an exemption from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to demonstrate the vehicles on public roads. However, the company is still waiting for additional exemptions to operate them commercially.

Zoox will also need approval from local regulators overseeing ride-hailing, such as California’s Public Utilities Commission.

This marks the first time Zoox will operate in Arizona. This state has long been a major ecentre for autonomous vehicle testing due to its permissive regulations, flat roads, and consistently warm climate. Phoenix was also the city where competitor Waymo first launched its robotaxi service back in 2020.

The company said it is opening depots in Dallas and Phoenix, along with a new command centre in Scottsdale, to support its expansion into these markets, which Zoox says will create hundreds of new jobs. These facilities, which Zoox refers to as “fusion centres,” house fleet operations teams responsible for functions such as remote guidance and rider support, offering what the company described as “real-time coordination to help vehicles navigate complex scenarios, complete missions, and support riders when needed.”