Investigation Into Amazon’s Zoox Vehicles for Unexpected Braking
In a recent development, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced that it is launching an investigation into Amazon.com’s self-driving Zoox vehicles. The probe was initiated due to two rear-end collisions involving the Zoox Automated Driving System, which led to minor injuries to motorcyclists. The crashes were caused by unexpected braking, prompting the NHTSA to take action and evaluate the system’s performance.
The incidents occurred during daylight hours and within the operational design limits of the Zoox system. The initial investigation revealed that each Zoox vehicle involved was operating with the Automated Driving System engaged just moments before each collision. Therefore, the NHTSA will focus its investigation on determining the cause of the unexpected braking and assess the system’s behavior in crosswalks and similar rear-end collision scenarios.
The NHTSA’s decision to probe 500 Zoox vehicles equipped with automated driving systems underscores the agency’s commitment to ensuring the safety of autonomous vehicles on American roads. This move comes after the NHTSA opened another investigation in March 2023 into Zoox’s self-certification of a robotaxi without traditional driving controls. The purpose of that ongoing investigation is to examine whether Zoox’s certification basis relied on test procedures and standards that may not be applicable given the unique configuration of the vehicle.
Amid these developments, Zoox has stated that it is cooperating with the NHTSA and is committed to transparency and collaboration with regulators. A spokesperson for the company asserted that they are reviewing the request for information and will work closely with the NHTSA to address their queries.
The investigation into Amazon’s Zoox vehicles comes at a crucial time for the autonomous vehicle industry, as companies like Zoox and Alphabet’s Waymo compete fiercely to advance their self-driving technologies. Waymo has already deployed robotaxis in limited areas for testing, and Zoox recently announced an expansion of its vehicle testing in California and Nevada, encompassing a wider area, higher speeds, and even nighttime driving.
As the autonomous vehicle industry progresses, it is imperative that safety remains a paramount concern. With the increasing integration of self-driving technologies on our roads, it is crucial for companies like Zoox to ensure that their systems function flawlessly and prioritize the safety of all road users. The outcome of the NHTSA investigation will not only shed light on the specific incidents involving Zoox vehicles but also contribute to our understanding of the challenges and potential risks associated with autonomous driving.
Overall, this investigation highlights the ongoing efforts by regulatory agencies to hold autonomous vehicle manufacturers accountable for the safety of their products. By closely examining incidents, evaluating performance, and collaborating with industry stakeholders, such investigations play a vital role in shaping the future of self-driving technology and ensuring public trust in its capabilities.