EQUIPEngadget · 18h ago
Amazon's Zoox is the first steering wheel-free robotaxi to get regulatory approval for paid rides

Executive Brief
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Amazon's autonomous vehicle subsidiary, Zoox, has received NHTSA approval to charge for rides in its specialized robotaxis. This marks a significant regulatory milestone as the first vehicle lacking manual steering and pedal controls to secure commercial transport certification.
- 01NHTSA grants historic commercial passenger permit for vehicles without traditional manual controls
- 02Zoox becomes the first steering wheel-free autonomous platform authorized for paid transport
- 03Amazon subsidiary secures critical regulatory lead in the competitive North American robotaxi market
- 04Approval signifies a shift in federal safety standards regarding unconventional vehicle design and operation
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The NHTSA has given Amazon's Zoox permission to charge for rides. It's the first AV with no manual controls to get it.