Amazon-Owned Zoox Issues Second Software Recall Following Collision
Autonomous vehicle company Zoox, owned by Amazon, has recently issued its second voluntary software recall in just a month after a collision involving one of its robotaxis and an e-scooter rider in San Francisco on May 8.
The incident in question occurred when an unoccupied Zoox vehicle operating at low speed was struck by an e-scooter after braking to yield at an intersection.
Just weeks prior to this event, Zoox had recalled around 270 vehicles following a crash in Las Vegas between a Zoox robotaxi and a passenger car. This incident had raised concerns about the software’s ability to predict the movements of other road users, an issue that still seems to be a concern for the company.
According to Zoox’s statement on the May 8 crash, the vehicle was stopped at the time of contact with the e-scooter, and the rider fell to the ground next to the vehicle. The robotaxi then began to move but stopped after completing the turn without further contact with the rider, who declined medical attention for minor injuries.
Zoox has already shared relevant information and video footage with regulators and issued a software update to improve perception tracking and prevent vehicle movement when a vulnerable road user is in close proximity.
Continued movement by a robotaxi after a collision poses a risk of harm to other road users involved in the crash, as demonstrated by the downfall of Zoox’s competitor, Cruise. The GM-backed company faced significant consequences after one of its robotaxis struck a pedestrian and dragged them while attempting to stop.
It remains unclear whether the potential risk of harm to road users was a primary concern for Zoox when issuing the software recall, or if other factors such as unexpected hard braking were at play. In March, Zoox had recalled 258 vehicles due to issues with its autonomous driving system causing unexpected hard braking incidents, leading to collisions with motorcyclists.
Further details about Zoox’s latest software recall, including the number of vehicles affected and the specific updates implemented, have not been confirmed as Zoox did not respond in time for inquiries. JS has reached out to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for additional information on the recall.
