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The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Amazon's self-driving robotaxi venture, Zoox, following two incidents involving rear-end collisions with motorcyclists. These crashes, both involving Toyota Highlander SUVs equipped with Zoox's autonomous driving technology, occurred recently in San Francisco and Spring Valley, Nevada. In response to these events, NHTSA has expressed concerns over the performance of Zoox's automated driving system, particularly focusing on its behavior in critical scenarios such as crosswalks with pedestrians.

The Incidents and Investigation

The incidents occurred during daytime hours, with both Amazon vehicles reportedly operating in autonomous mode at the time of the collisions. One crash resulted in minor injuries to a motorcyclist, while the other incident caused minor injuries to a Zoox safety driver. These events have prompted NHTSA to delve into the functionality and safety protocols of Zoox's automated driving system. The investigation aims to assess the system's performance leading up to the crashes and its interaction with vulnerable road users, including pedestrians.

Zoox's Response and Regulatory Collaboration

In response to NHTSA's investigation, Zoox has affirmed its commitment to cooperating fully with regulatory authorities. The company has emphasized the importance of transparency in addressing safety concerns associated with autonomous vehicles. Zoox's vehicles, which lack traditional controls like steering wheels and pedals, operate within a unique carriage-style interior designed to accommodate passengers facing each other. Despite these innovations, questions remain about how effectively the vehicles navigate real-world scenarios without direct human intervention.

Background and Acquisition by Amazon

Amazon acquired Zoox in June 2020 for a reported sum exceeding $1 billion, positioning itself within the competitive autonomous vehicle market. Zoox, headquartered in Foster City, California, initially gained attention for its unconventional design and ambitious plans for autonomous shuttle services. These plans included a shuttle route for employees and potential future applications in autonomous deliveries, leveraging Amazon's extensive logistical capabilities.

Previous Regulatory Scrutiny

Prior to these recent incidents, Zoox had already faced regulatory scrutiny from NHTSA. In 2022, the agency initiated an investigation into the company's self-certification of compliance with federal safety standards for motor vehicles. This scrutiny focused on Zoox's assertion that certain federal safety standards were inapplicable due to the unique design and configuration of its robotaxi vehicles. Such regulatory evaluations are crucial in ensuring that emerging technologies meet established safety benchmarks before widespread deployment on public roads.

Future Implications and Industry Outlook

The outcome of NHTSA's current investigation into Zoox could significantly influence the trajectory of autonomous vehicle development and regulation in the United States. As companies like Zoox and its parent Amazon continue to innovate in the autonomous vehicle sector, balancing technological advancement with rigorous safety standards remains paramount. The incidents involving Zoox's vehicles underscore the complexities and challenges inherent in achieving safe and reliable autonomous transportation solutions.