Zoox, the innovative autonomous vehicle company owned by Amazon, has announced its second voluntary software recall within just a month. This move comes after a recent incident involving one of its robotaxis and an e-scooter rider in San Francisco on May 8, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the rapidly evolving world of self-driving cars.
The latest incident involved a stationary Zoox vehicle at a low speed, which was struck by an e-scooter after the scooter’s rider braked to yield at an intersection. Fortunately, the e-scooter rider declined medical attention for minor injuries, according to Zoox. The company explained that the vehicle was stopped at the time of the collision, and the rider fell nearby. After completing a turn, the robotaxi resumed movement but did not make contact with the scooterist again.
Zoox has shared footage and relevant details with regulators and has already rolled out a software update aimed at enhancing perception and ensuring the vehicle remains stationary when vulnerable road users are nearby. This proactive approach underscores the importance of safety in autonomous technology, especially as accidents involving self-driving cars continue to garner attention.
This recent event echoes concerns raised earlier in the year when Zoox recalled roughly 270 vehicles after a crash in Las Vegas, where a Zoox robotaxi collided with a passenger car. That incident raised questions about the ability of self-driving software to accurately predict the movements of other road users—a challenge that the industry continues to address.
The potential dangers of autonomous vehicles continuing to move after a collision are significant, especially if they risk injuring pedestrians or cyclists. The situation is reminiscent of a high-profile incident involving Cruise, Zoox’s competitor backed by General Motors, which faced scrutiny after one of its robotaxis struck a pedestrian and dragged them for about 20 feet during a pull-over maneuver.
While Zoox has not yet provided detailed information about the number of vehicles affected by this latest recall or how its new software update differs from previous ones, the company emphasizes its commitment to improving safety standards. In March, Zoox recalled 258 vehicles due to issues with unexpected hard braking, following reports of motorcyclists colliding with test vehicles.
As autonomous vehicle technology advances, safety remains a top priority. Zoox’s ongoing recalls highlight the importance of rigorous testing and continuous improvement to ensure these vehicles can operate safely alongside human drivers and pedestrians. The industry will be watching closely as Zoox refines its systems to prevent future incidents and build public trust in self-driving technology.
