For years we have been talking about artificial intelligence and this, when applied on the roads, becomes autonomous driving without a driver. The startup of autonomous vehicles zoox, owned by Amazon, has begun testing its autonomous "robotaxis" on public roads in California, US. The initiative aims to present itself as a mobility solution for large urban centres. Let's take a look at some details of these new generation taxis.
Amazon's robotaxis "throw", so to speak, in California. The Zoox shuttles, owned by the giant, have landed on the street
Unlike other self-driving cars, Zoox robotaxis do not have pedals or a steering wheel. According to the manufacturer, the goal of this idea is to limit as much as possible the need for human interference in the vehicle during its daily operation. The goal is to let Zoox takes care of the traffic while we are enjoying a peaceful and relaxing journey in a spacious cabin designed for humans. This is what the company claims. Testing is still limited at this early stage, but the company is hopeful.
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Currently, the California Department of Transportation authorized Amazon's robotaxi only to transport company employees on a short journey, about 1.6 km, connecting one company building to another during the day. Zoox's autonomous robotaxis without physical controls are designed to accommodate up to four passengers on two seats, stand facing each other. The car is equipped with airbags and a wireless charger for each occupant. Driving 100% without human interference is the result of a combination of state-of-the-art cameras, radars and LiDAR sensors and the batteries of the autonomous robotaxi are 133 kWh. This allows it to withstand a full day's work without needing to be recharged.
If the vehicle is in a situation where it needs help because it has to do something it's not normally allowed to do or because it doesn't know how to handle a situation, we have what we call a 'meltdown centre'. He has trained driving operators who monitor everything, who will give the car permission to do something unscheduled. But the control will remain 100% of the car
Whether Zoox will be able to remains to be seen extend testing to more people in addition to company employees. However, the idea is that Amazon's autonomous robotaxis will become popular on the streets of major urban centers in the coming years.
Through | DMove
