Zoox is upgrading its robotaxi as it prepares for commercial service

Zoox has changed the look of its custom-built robotaxi, and not just to make it look sharper. The Amazon-owned company on Wednesday unveiled a series of upgrades to the comfort and functionality of its autonomous electric vehicle based on passenger feedback and ahead of what it hopes will be a commercial launch later this year.

Basic features of Zoox Robotaxi It remains. The cube-like autonomous electric robotaxi still lacks a steering wheel and other controls. The company kept the moving roof and starry night lights, as well as 40 cameras, radar, lidar and infrared sensors, which help the robot taxi perceive its surrounding environment. The car still drives in both directions, has four-wheel steering, and can transport four people at speeds of up to 75 mph.

Instead, Zoox made a series of design and product modifications needed for a robotaxi that would carry thousands of passengers. At least that’s Zoox’s hope.

Inside, Zoox added more ergonomic padding and curves to both the seats and headrests, and updated the color, materials and finishes with a lighter palette of green seats and stone-grey flooring and trim.

A lighter color palette creates a calmer environment, according to Zoox.

They also provide a kind of contrasting background that makes it easier to spot common objects, such as smartphones. Other interior changes include adding grooves on the charging pad to keep phones in place, widening the cup holders, and a clearer touchscreen.

On the outside, Zoox has moved its two-way reflectors to improve visibility and added a new speaker and microphone to the door fascia as well as two-way audio capabilities. The company said the improvements will improve communication with riders and other road users, as well as between Zoox support and first responders.

The idea, according to Chris Stoffel, director of industrial robot design and studio engineering at Zoox, is a simple, elevated interior that doesn’t require the occupant’s attention like many features found in today’s passenger cars.

“The updates we’ve made to this iteration of our purpose-built Robotaxi continue to further differentiate the Zoox experience from anything else available today,” he said in a statement.

There are practical reasons for the design changes too.

Last year, Zoox Production facility opened in Hayward, California, where the company expects to one day build 10,000 robotaxis a year. The improvements have been made in preparation for volume production, which Zoox says could reach 100 vehicles per week.

Zoox still has one major hurdle to clear before it can begin production in earnest — or offer paid rides.

The company requested a trade exemption for its robotaxis because they lack standard controls required by federal law. The public comment period has closed and Zoox is awaiting a decision from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which gave the company an exemption in August 2025 to demonstrate its specially designed robotaxis on public roads.

If approved, Zoox will offer paid rides, the company said.

Currently, the company is testing and Offering free trips In Austin, Texas; San Francisco; las vegas; and Miami, Florida.