Let’s discuss the future of not driving ourselves. Instead, imagine getting around with something that lacks a name, heartbeat, or desire to finish its work shift—like a robotaxi. Specifically, let’s look at what’s happening in Las Vegas.
I’ve consistently maintained a positive connection with technology. I find joy in the impressive functionality of electric motors and their powerful yet quiet operation—it’s amazing. However, when it comes to self-driving cars, let’s just say I’m more inclined towards “trusting but verifying extensively,” perhaps even requiring someone knowledgeable enough to pretend they can take control by grabbing an imaginary steering wheel. After all, we usually disconnect our toaster before leaving town, just in case it spontaneously starts a fire. Still, shouldn’t we be equally cautious about confidently stepping into vehicles controlled entirely by software? Especially in Las Vegas! There’s something intriguingly concerning about the possibilities for electronic sabotage here.
Introducing Zoox—not the noise a superhero might make after being hit but rather an innovative firm owned by Amazon, dedicated to mastering autonomous driving technology. Unlike others who simply attach sensors to conventional vehicles, Zoox stands out as they have engineered their very own compact electric vehicle tailored explicitly for this purpose. This futuristic ride comes without a steering wheel or foot pedals; instead, it offers seating for up to four individuals ready to experience firsthand what riding in a driverless car feels like.
These small electric vehicles aren’t limited to a highly secretive testing ground in an ideal technological city. Zoox has been allowing its self-driving technology to operate (ideally under strict oversight) across an expanding number of U.S. urban areas including Atlanta, Austin, Seattle, Miami, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area — offering a wide array of driving scenarios and surprised walkers. Now, they’re stepping up their game in Las Vegas as well.
Their journey through Las Vegas began rather unassumingly during the summer of 2023 when their robotaxis cruised along a single-mile route at an impressive maximum velocity of 35 miles per hour. Quite exhilarating indeed! Fast forward to March of this year, where they appeared more assured, maybe due to improved navigation systems handling encounters with leisurely strolling Elvis impersonators. This time, the designated driving zone broadened out to encompass five miles stretching between their nearby base and downtown’s vibrant Strip district, allowing for velocities rising as high as 45 mph. It boggles the mind imagining all those forces in play.
Zoox appears to have been training its silicon drivers to handle less than ideal conditions such as mild rainfall and wet roadways. Given that Las Vegas is well-known for heavy storms, this preparation demonstrates commendable diligence. Despite the low probability of encountering these situations, their approach highlights an impressive level of attention to detail.
Here’s where things really get authentically Vegas. Zoox has teamed up with Resorts World Las Vegas, making them their very first official robotaxi collaborator. As part of this partnership, they’ll have a special designated area at the resort specifically for these small self-driving vehicles to collect and deliver passengers. Rumor has it there might also be some kind of “experiential activation” inside the hotel, which is quite ambiguously corporate-sounding. Could it feature a holographic concierge? Perhaps a free pack of specially curated digital treats?
Michael White, who holds the position of Chief Product Officer at Zoox, mentions their shared commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences. He adds that traveling with Zoox will feel like an extension of the renowned hospitality offered by Resorts World. This sentiment was seconded by Carlos Castro, President and CFO of Resorts World Las Vegas, who spoke about incorporating advanced technological solutions to enhance their services. The whole concept seems impressively collaborative, much like a well-crafted press statement designed for synergy and harmony.
However, even with autonomous technology, there’s still a catch: you can’t simply stroll into Resorts World, hand over a twenty-dollar bill, and instruct the robot to drive you to the closest all-you-can-eat shrimp buffet—yet. That service isn’t available for paying customers in Las Vegas as of now because Zoox has not rolled out commercial rides for the general public. If you want to experience this futuristic travel option, you must join their “Explorer program.” Essentially, this gives you a complimentary trip in return for providing crucial feedback. You become a trailblazer, a beta tester, or perhaps a lab rat navigating the digital age. All at no cost! Quite magnanimous indeed from their side.
The vehicle, crafted specifically for this purpose, is meant to transport four individuals who face one another like passengers in a stagecoach. There’s no driver, no steering wheel, and no pedals involved. The focus entirely lies on enhancing the passenger experience; however, I can’t help but ponder whether they’ve considered how three complementary casino cocktails might affect an “Explorer’s” capability to offer clear insights into sensor fusion technology.
Zoox
believes they will make the service available to the broader, paying audience in Las Vegas before the end of this year. Time will tell. I’m keeping an eye out, combining my typical excitement for new technology with a slightly skeptical but curious look. Should these electric, self-driving vehicles manage to smoothly traverse the bustling Las Vegas Strip, particularly during nighttime, without experiencing technical issues, maybe we have something worth getting excited about.
The thought of relinquishing control still makes me feel uneasy—similar to how you’d react seeing someone use the incorrect instrument for a task—the electrical component is unquestionably beneficial. If this leads to fewer people who have been overly relaxed from playing cards trying to drive two tons of metal through busy roads, then that’s a direction I could support. Of course, with some hesitation. Sitting in the passenger seat. My hand will be near what seems like a non-existent emergency shutdown button.
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Captain Electro
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