Amazon’s robotaxi subsidiary, Zoox, has issued a voluntary software recall, following an internal investigation into an incident that took place in Las Vegas on April 8, when one of its unoccupied vehicles collided with a passenger car. The recall effects 270 vehicles, according to Reuters.
“As part of our commitment to safety, it’s essential that we remain transparent about our processes and the collective decisions we make,” said Zoox in a blog on its website. “After evaluating our internal data, Zoox has chosen to proactively submit a voluntary recall and file a Part 573 Safety Recall Report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).”
The blog added, “At Zoox, safety is more than a priority; it’s our mission to create the safest ride possible. With over 100 safety innovations not found in traditional automobiles, we remain committed to placing safety at the core of everything we do. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) offer a unique, transformative opportunity to significantly enhance safety, mobility and sustainability in society.
“This recall is voluntary. The report filed with NHTSA is for an incident that occurred involving an unoccupied Zoox robotaxi and a passenger vehicle. No injuries were reported, and only minor damage occurred to both vehicles. The incident involved a passenger car quickly approaching the lane where our purpose-built robotaxi was traveling. Anticipating that the passenger car would proceed forward, the Zoox robotaxi slowed down and steered to the right. Instead, the car came to a stop, fully yielding to the Zoox robotaxi and remaining in the shoulder lane. The Zoox robotaxi braked hard, but contact was unavoidable.
“At the time of the incident, Zoox took immediate steps that are part of our internal processes and vehicle operations. Our remote operations team notified the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. All driverless vehicle operations were paused, and an internal safety review and analysis kicked off. Finally, the incident was reported to NHTSA as part of the Standing General Order process.
“After analysis and rigorous testing, Zoox identified the root cause. We issued a software update that was implemented across all Zoox vehicles. All Zoox vehicles on the road today, including our purpose-built robotaxi and test fleet, have the updated software.
“Through this voluntary recall, we want to demonstrate our commitment to transparency, regulatory compliance, and rider safety in the communities we serve. Zoox remains committed to improving and changing the way people move around their cities for the better. That means continuing our work on reinventing personal transportation for a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable future on the road.”
In related news, Zoox rolled out its robotaxi on the streets of San Francisco and expanded its Las Vegas geofence, in November last year. Click here to read the full story.