Zoox Recalls Software on Self-Driving Cars After Safety Incidents

Zoox, the autonomous driving unit of Amazon, has issued a voluntary recall for 258 of its self-driving vehicles due to issues with the autonomous driving software. This recall comes after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received reports of two incidents where motorcyclists collided with the back of Zoox vehicles while the autonomous systems were engaged.

According to the NHTSA report, Zoox found that the software versions released before November 5, 2024 were the cause of the unexpected hard braking that led to the incidents. The company has addressed the issue with a software update released on November 7, 2024.

While the incidents did not occur with Zoox's purpose-built robotaxi vehicles, which are designed without a steering wheel or pedals, the company is including those models in the recall since they were equipped with similar software. Zoox is currently testing a limited number of its custom robotaxis in San Francisco and Las Vegas, with plans to expand testing to Austin and Miami.

This recall comes amidst heightened scrutiny from regulators following a high-profile safety incident involving Cruise, another autonomous vehicle company, in 2023. Last year, Waymo also issued a voluntary recall of 672 of its Jaguar I-Pace robotaxis after several reported safety incidents, including a collision with a telephone pole.

The Zoox recall underscores the importance of rigorous testing and software validation in the autonomous vehicle industry. As these technologies continue to evolve and be deployed on public roads, ensuring the safety of both passengers and other road users is of paramount concern.

Zoox's proactive approach to addressing the software issue and issuing a recall demonstrates the company's commitment to safety and transparency. It will be crucial for Zoox and other autonomous vehicle developers to maintain this level of diligence as they work to bring their technologies to market and gain the trust of consumers and regulators.