Zoox has unveiled a redesigned version of its purpose-built robotaxi, updating the interior and exterior of the steering-wheel-free vehicle after gathering feedback from half a million riders. The autonomous ride-hailing company described the changes to the next evolution of its robotaxi as refinements to comfort, usability, and exterior communication, and called it the production-intent design. Zoox says the vehicle is headed for large-scale production at its serial production facility in Hayward, California, with robotaxis reaching riders later this year.
Highlights
- Production-intent design: The redesigned vehicle is Zoox’s production-intent robotaxi, headed for large-scale manufacturing in Hayward, California, with output able to ramp to 100 vehicles a week to support this year’s expansions, subject to regulatory approval.
- Lighter cabin: Updated color, material, and finish brings monochrome aloe green seating with stone-gray flooring and trim, plus added padding and ergonomic curves on the seats and headrests.
- Easier to spot belongings: The lighter finish on the charging pad, cupholders, and flooring is designed to make items like bags and phones easier to see so riders don’t leave them behind.
- Exterior communication: Color-rotating bidirectional reflectors were refined and relocated to distinguish front from rear, while a new door speaker and microphone add two-way audio for riders, other road users, and Zoox Support and first responders.
Designed Around Riders
Since its founding in 2014, Zoox has built its purpose-built robotaxi around riders rather than drivers, eliminating manual driving controls to create a symmetrical, spacious cabin. The company says that layout delivers safety and comfort levels not found in traditional cars, with signature carriage-style, face-to-face seating that makes the interior a social space. The latest changes draw on lessons from testing, early deployments, and rider feedback as the company prepares to scale.
A Calmer, More Practical Cabin
The carriage-style cabin stays, but Zoox has reworked its color, material, and finish toward a lighter palette — monochrome aloe green seating with stone-gray flooring and trim. The company says the simplified, tonal scheme creates a calmer environment and reduces visual distractions so riders can relax during a trip. The updated finish on the charging pad, cupholders, and flooring is also meant to make everyday items easier to spot and to better resist the wear and tear of city use.
Seating was adjusted based on early-rider feedback, with added padding and ergonomic curves on both the seats and headrests. Several rider-favorite features were refined as well:
- Display: a more vivid touchscreen
- Charging: fluting on the charging pad for added stability
- Storage: larger cupholders to keep beverages secure
“The updates we’ve made to this iteration of our purpose-built robotaxi continue to further distinguish the Zoox experience from anything else available today,” said Chris Stoffel, Director of Robot Industrial Design and Studio Engineering. “The simplicity of the elevated interior design does not demand a rider’s attention like so many of the features found in today’s passenger cars. Instead, riders can relax and enjoy the space as they are transported throughout the city.”
Outside: Clarity and Communication
The exterior looks similar to the current vehicle at first glance, but Zoox made a series of refinements aimed at making the robotaxi more intuitive to interact with. The vehicle’s bidirectional reflectors, which rotate color to clearly distinguish the robotaxi’s front from its rear, were refined and relocated for better visibility and integration into the exterior.
Zoox also improved the door interface with a new speaker and microphone and added two-way audio capabilities. The company says the additions support clearer communication with riders and other road users, as well as between Zoox Support and first responders.
Built for Scale
Zoox describes this robotaxi as its production-intent vehicle and says it will soon move into large-scale production at the Hayward, California, serial production facility. The robotaxis will join the fleet across Zoox’s markets and become available to riders later this year as they come off the production line. The company says it can ramp production to a rate of 100 vehicles a week to support its expansions this year, subject to regulatory approval.
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