Federal regulators are clearing the path for robotaxis to operate without steering wheels, and potentially even brake pedals, as rules begin to adapt to rapidly advancing autonomous vehicle technology. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has taken steps that signal a shift toward accommodating vehicles with fewer traditional human-driving controls.
Amazon’s Zoox vehicles recently received approval to begin charging customers for rides in its specially designed cars. These vehicles, which feature four inward-facing seats, are cleared to operate once state and local approvals are secured. Zoox has been providing free rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco since last year.
Last month, NHTSA also proposed a rule that would permit robotaxis to function without brake pedals, although this proposal is still pending. NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison stated that the agency aims to facilitate the safe advancement of autonomous vehicles. "By removing unnecessary barriers to innovation, developing industry guidance, and providing strong enforcement oversight while we create performance requirements, NHTSA is taking a balanced approach to AV regulation,” Morrison said in a statement. “These advancements will ensure that the United States continues to lead the world in AV technology in a safe and responsible manner.”
Zoox and Tesla are among the companies working to compete with Waymo, which is currently a leader in the autonomous ride-hailing sector and operates in multiple cities. Waymo is a subsidiary of Alphabet, Google's parent company.
Amazon, which acquired the self-driving startup Zoox for $1.2 billion, has ambitions to produce as many as 10,000 robotaxis annually at a plant near Silicon Valley. Initially, Zoox is permitted to deploy up to 2,500 vehicles without steering wheels over the next two years as it works to demonstrate the technology's safety. The company reports that over half a million people have already experienced rides in its vehicles.