Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company Zoox has begun testing its purpose-built robotaxis on the streets of San Francisco. This move marks a significant expansion for the company, which has previously conducted testing in other locations like Las Vegas and Foster City, California. The vehicles, which lack traditional steering wheels and pedals, are designed specifically for ride-hailing services rather than being retrofitted passenger cars.

San Francisco currently serves as a primary testing ground for autonomous vehicle technology, with companies like Alphabet’s Waymo already operating commercial services in the area. Zoox’s entry into this market places it in direct competition with these incumbents. While the company has not yet announced a timeline for a public commercial launch in the city, the commencement of testing is a required regulatory step toward broader deployment.

Industry analysts note that San Francisco presents unique challenges for autonomous systems, including complex traffic patterns, steep hills, and high pedestrian density. Zoox has stated that its fleet is equipped with advanced sensor suites and artificial intelligence designed to navigate these specific urban obstacles. The company’s expansion is part of a broader push by Amazon to integrate autonomous logistics and transportation technology into its ecosystem. While the technology is being tested, it remains subject to oversight by the California Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Public Utilities Commission, which regulate the safety and operational standards for autonomous vehicles in the state.