Amazon subsidiary Zoox is about to start testing robotaxis in Los Angeles.

This marks its sixth testing location, following last year’s expansion to Miami and Austin (zoox.com/journal/austin-miami-2024). Its test fleet now operates in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, as well as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Seattle, Austin and Miami.

Before Zoox operates its test fleet or robotaxis in any capacity, it engages with the appropriate local and state officials and regulators. To begin, Zoox will deploy a small number of retrofitted test fleet vehicles, equipped with safety drivers, in a small part of the Los Angeles metro area. As is standard when it begins operations in a new city, Zoox will first send the test fleet to complete manual mapping missions before beginning autonomous driving later this summer.

Similar to its efforts in Austin and Miami, deploying in Los Angeles provides an opportunity to gather feedback and insights. While traffic rules are consistent across different locations, there are various driving conditions, potential roadworks, city events and other map changes it wants to learn about before expanding to other neighbourhoods.

Planning is essential before the testing fleet hits the roads. Zoox identifies routes that present difficult features and scenarios. Its autonomous driving system adapts to the distinct conditions of the city, beginning within a specific geofence where the robotaxi operates. Once it has met the safety requirements in that area, the geofence will expand.

Los Angeles is a vibrant city where people use ride-hailing and various modes of transportation to get around. It is also well-known for its traffic congestion and car reliance. In 2024, the average Angeleno spent 157 hours driving, a figure that doubled from the previous year. Zoox sees potential in testing in Los Angeles and says it is excited to be able to give those that live, work and travel to LA time back to socialise, relax or work in the Zoox robotaxi en route to their destination.

“We can’t wait to welcome riders into our robotaxi in Los Angeles,” said a Zoox (zoox.com) statement. “Once we complete our testing and feel confident that the robotaxi is ready to drive here, we’ll share that update. Give us a wave if you see us on the road.”