Robot Taxis Are On Their Way To Las Vegas
Robot Taxis are headed to Las Vegas!
According to comprehensive studies, and locals, Las Vegas already has the worst drivers in the country, and that includes Las Vegas cabbies.
Watch Out – It’s A Robot Taxi!
Zoox, a company based in Foster, California, has developed an all-electric robot-like taxi. Ryan Wallace, Director of Fleet Operations told Fox 5 News, Zoox believes there is a huge opportunity to provide efficient, excellent services, and amazing new rider experiences.
The Taxis are similar to London taxis. A carriage design where the seats face each other. They’re bi-directional, so you can travel in either direction, depending on which way you’re headed.
The company has been using Toyota Highlanders with a human driver to collect data before testing the robotaxi service. Wallace says, “We have been operating with crews from Zoox so we learn how the service operates” and any nuances the Las Vegas area might have.
Believe me, Las Vegas roads are full of nuances. Good luck, Robot Taxis.
Are Robot Cabs Safe?
Wallace said that the Robot taxis have 100’s of safety innovations are not found in typical vehicles. It has a horseshoe airbag that basically surrounds you if there is an incident.
The cars also have a 360-degree view with sensors, so if one fails, there are overlapping fields of coverage, which adds to safety.
The vehicles also have comfort and convenience in mind, with cupholders, wireless device charging and climate and music controls.
How Do You Hail One?
The process of requesting a robot cab, and cost of using one, will be similar to that of an Uber or Lyft – via an app.
Wallace said rolling out new robotaxis also means more job opportunities. Mainly technicians who look after and maintain the vehicles.
With F1, the Super Bowl coming to Las Vegas, and the Sphere soon opening, Zoox hopes that the robotaxis help meet the demand for more transportation.
Some people will be really excited to use robot cabs, and others not so much. I know one thing for sure: I don’t want to be the first to hail a robot cab — in Las Vegas!