History of Zoox
Zoox, founded in 2014 by Tim Kentley-Klay and Jesse Levinson, is an autonomous vehicle startup with the vision to revolutionize transportation through self-driving technology. Initially focused on retrofitting existing vehicles with autonomous capabilities, Zoox shifted its approach to designing a fully integrated, purpose-built vehicle from the ground up. The company's unique approach involves developing a bidirectional vehicle that can travel in both directions without the need for a steering wheel or driver controls, aiming for safer and more efficient transportation.
In 2020, Zoox was acquired by Amazon, marking a significant step for the company as it gained access to Amazon's resources and expertise. The acquisition allowed Zoox to accelerate the development of its autonomous vehicle technology, focusing on building a fully autonomous ride-hailing service. While Zoox is still in the development phase, it continues to push the boundaries of vehicle design and artificial intelligence to create a transportation solution that could disrupt the automotive and mobility industries. The company's work emphasizes sustainability, efficiency, and safety, with a focus on reshaping urban transportation in the future.