Zoox issues software recall after a robotaxi got confused by heavy smoke
Zoox has issued a software recall for its robotaxi fleet after a vehicle struggled to navigate a smoke-filled emergency scene. The company has released an update to address the issue following pressure from the NHTSA regarding autonomous vehicle interactions with first responders.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing safety challenges and regulatory scrutiny facing autonomous vehicle companies as they integrate into complex, unpredictable urban environments.
Zoox has issued a software recall after one of its robotaxis struggled to navigate a smoke-filled emergency fire scene in June.
The Amazon-owned company said Friday that it has shipped a software update that should address the issue to its fleet of 105 vehicles. Nobody was on board the vehicle during the June incident, and Zoox told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it is not aware of injuries associated with the problem.
The NHTSA’s report doesn’t state where the June incident took place. Zoox didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Zoox’s recall comes just a week after NHTSA administrator Jonathan Morrison sent a letter to self-driving car companies warning them to stop interfering with first responders.
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