Amazon launches robotaxi service in San Francisco in challenge to Google’s Waymo

The GuardianTuesday, November 18, 2025 at 6:51:05 PM
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Amazon launches robotaxi service in San Francisco in challenge to Google’s Waymo
  • Amazon's Zoox has initiated a robotaxi service in San Francisco, offering free rides in designated areas as a strategic move to challenge Waymo's dominance in the self-driving taxi sector. The service is limited to those on a waiting list and utilizes unique gondola-shaped vehicles. This launch is part of a broader effort by Amazon to expand its presence in the autonomous vehicle market.
  • The introduction of Zoox's robotaxi service is crucial for Amazon as it seeks to diversify its transportation offerings and compete directly with established players like Waymo. By providing free rides, Zoox aims to attract early adopters and gather valuable data to refine its technology and service.
  • The launch occurs amid growing scrutiny of autonomous vehicles, particularly following incidents involving Waymo's taxis that have raised safety concerns among residents. This backdrop highlights the ongoing debate over the regulation of self-driving cars and the public's mixed feelings about their integration into urban environments.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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