Zoox Joins the Robo-Taxi Race, Preparing to Launch Driverless Rides in Miami

Miami's streets are about to get a little more crowded with autonomous vehicles. Zoox, the robo-taxi company owned by Amazon, is preparing to launch its driverless ride-share service in the city, joining Waymo and Tesla in the growing race to bring autonomous transportation to South Florida.

If you've spotted one of Zoox's distinctive, boxy vehicles cruising around Miami lately, that's not your imagination. The company has been testing its fleet in the area ahead of a planned public launch, though no official date has been announced yet.

Zoox enters a market where Waymo has already established itself as the clear leader. The Alphabet-owned company covers the largest service area in Miami by far, giving riders broad access across the city. Tesla, meanwhile, has taken a more modest approach, with its robotaxi rollout currently limited to Sweetwater.

Zoox's vehicles stand out from the competition with a unique design built specifically for autonomous ride-sharing — no steering wheel, no driver's seat, just forward-facing bench seating for passengers. That's likely what's catching the eye of Miami residents who've noticed the vehicles during testing.

Once launched, Zoox is expected to compete directly with Waymo and Tesla for everyday trips across the city — whether that's a run to Publix, a night out at a Miami Heat game, or anywhere else locals need to go.

No timeline has been confirmed for when Zoox will open its service to the public, but the increased testing activity suggests a launch may be on the horizon. Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge.