Uber has partnered with Zoox to add robotaxi rides bookable on the ride-hailing giant’s smartphone application.
The partnership will launch this summer in Las Vegas, allowing riders to book rides in Zoox’s purpose-built robotaxis using Uber’s app, the two companies announced Wednesday. Rides can still be booked using Zoox’s app.
“We are excited to partner with Uber, a company that shares our vision for transforming mobility,” Zoox CEO Aicha Evans said in a statement. “This partnership is an opportunity to continue advancing the use of autonomous mobility in daily life. Through our collaboration, Zoox will provide a differentiated rider experience to those who already know and love the convenience of riding with Uber.”
Amazon-owned Zoox has been operating a free robotaxi service in Las Vegas since last fall, offering free rides to and from Resorts World, Topgolf, New York-New York and Area 15. The rides bookable on the Uber app will also be limited to Zoox’s approved sites.
Zoox plans to expand its site list this year while implementing a fee to ride the service. Zoox has deals in place with T-Mobile Arena and Sphere to add dedicated ride zones at both properties. Zoox and Uber also plan to expand their partnership, adding shared rides in Los Angeles by the middle of next year.
The partnership with Uber marks the first time Zoox has struck a deal with a third-party ride-hailing platform.
Since 2019, Zoox has been operating in Southern Nevada and are based out a 190,000-square-foot headquarters located in the southwest valley.
Zoox robotaxis are four-seater pods, with two seats on each side facing each other, with no steering wheel or pedals and have the ability to move forward and backward at 75 mph. Riders can charge their phones inside the vehicles and they can control the temperature and music from screens located within the robotaxi.
“The Zoox robotaxi is unlike any other vehicle on the planet – it was purpose-built from the ground up to deliver an extraordinary experience,” Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber said in a statement. “Zoox’s commitment to safety and their advanced autonomous driving technology make them an ideal partner. We’re thrilled to work together to introduce more riders to the future of mobility.”
Contact Mick Akers at makers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on X.
