Amazon's Zoox Expands Self-Driving Car Tests In US To Keep Pace With Competitors

Zoox has remained focused on developing its self-driving capabilities, with no indication of plans to repurpose the vehicles for delivery services. 

Zoox, the self-driving car division of Amazon.com, has announced significant expansions to its testing programme in California and Nevada, signalling a move to compete more fiercely with its rivals, including Waymo. The company aims to cover a wider area, increase driving speeds, and incorporate nighttime driving into its testing regimen.

Unlike its competitor Waymo, which recently unveiled plans to launch a taxi service in Los Angeles, Zoox's expansion focuses on enhancing its testing capabilities. The company's fleet of uniquely designed vehicles, reminiscent of toaster ovens on wheels, is being deployed to cover a broader range of environments, including higher speeds of up to 45 miles per hour (72 kmph) compared to the previous limit of 35 mph. Additionally, Zoox has expanded the area in Las Vegas where its cars can operate from one mile to five miles, representing a significant increase in the scope of testing.

The decision to include nighttime driving and light rain conditions in its testing programme underscores Zoox's commitment to gathering comprehensive data to improve its autonomous driving technology. By exposing its vehicles to more diverse and challenging conditions, the company aims to accelerate the development of fully autonomous vehicles, ultimately aiming to replace human drivers with safer and more reliable autonomous systems.

Zoox's move comes in the wake of its acquisition by Amazon in 2020 for over $1 billion. While speculation has swirled about Amazon's intentions for Zoox's technology, the company has remained focused on developing its self-driving capabilities, with no indication of plans to repurpose the vehicles for delivery services. 

The expansion of Zoox's testing programme marks a significant step forward in the development of autonomous driving technology, with the company positioning itself to compete more aggressively in the rapidly evolving self-driving car industry.

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