Zoox Chooses Washington D.C. as Next Autonomous Vehicle Testbed
Amazon-owned Zoox announced on Tuesday that it will begin mapping the streets of Washington D.C. to prepare for testing its self-driving vehicles in the nation's capital this year.
The company, which has been ramping up its autonomous vehicle technology since its founding in 2014, plans to start by manually driving Toyota Highlanders equipped with its sensors and software to map the city. This initial phase will lay the groundwork for later testing of its fully autonomous vehicles, which will be accompanied by human safety operators behind the wheel.
According to a blog post from Zoox, Washington D.C. was chosen as the ideal location for its next testbed due to the city's growing population and high demand for flexible transportation options. "The District is an optimal place to begin testing and mapping our technology on the East Coast," the company wrote.
Zoox spokesperson declined to share details on how many autonomous vehicles will be used for testing in the city, stating that the company will start with a small fleet that will grow over time.
With its presence already felt in several major cities across the United States, including Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, San Francisco, and Seattle, Zoox's expansion into Washington D.C. marks another significant step forward for the autonomous vehicle industry.
The company's decision to test its technology in a densely populated urban environment like Washington D.C. will provide valuable insights into how self-driving vehicles can navigate complex city streets and interact with pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles.
As Zoox continues to push the boundaries of autonomous vehicle technology, its efforts are being closely watched by industry experts and regulators alike. "Zoox's commitment to testing and refining its technology in real-world environments is a crucial step towards making self-driving vehicles a reality," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, an expert on autonomous vehicle regulation.
With Zoox's growing presence in the nation's capital, Washington D.C. is poised to become a hub for innovation and experimentation in the field of autonomous transportation. As the company continues to test and refine its technology, it will be interesting to see how its efforts shape the future of urban mobility.
Zoox's expansion into Washington D.C. marks another significant milestone for the company, which has grown well beyond the confines of Silicon Valley since its founding in 2014. With its sights set on making self-driving vehicles a reality, Zoox is poised to play a leading role in shaping the future of transportation.
*Reporting by Techcrunch.*
