Uber and Zoox Partner to Expand Robotaxi Service in Las Vegas and Los Angeles

Uber and Zoox announced a multi-year strategic partnership on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, to integrate Zoox’s purpose-built robotaxis into the Uber network, beginning in Las Vegas this summer and expanding to Los Angeles in 2027. This collaboration marks the first time Zoox has partnered with a third-party ride-hailing platform.

Robotaxi Availability and Booking

The partnership will allow Uber riders to book Zoox robotaxis directly through the Uber app for eligible trips. Rides will initially be limited to approved sites, mirroring Zoox’s current operational model, but the company plans to expand its service area throughout the year. Riders will also continue to have the option of booking Zoox vehicles directly through the Zoox app. [Las Vegas Review-Journal]

Zoox’s Current Operations and Expansion Plans

Amazon-owned Zoox has been operating a free robotaxi service in Las Vegas since last fall, providing rides to and from locations like Resorts World, Topgolf, New York-New York, and Area 15. [Las Vegas Review-Journal] The company has also secured deals with T-Mobile Arena and Sphere to establish dedicated ride zones. Zoox is currently conducting tests in several other cities, including Seattle, Miami, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Austin, Texas, with plans to begin testing in Dallas, and Phoenix. [CNET]

The Zoox Vehicle: A Unique Design

The Zoox robotaxi is a fully autonomous vehicle designed to carry up to four passengers. Notably, it lacks traditional driver controls such as a steering wheel, accelerator, or brake pedals. It is bidirectional, capable of moving forward and backward with either end functioning as the front of the vehicle. The vehicle features touchscreens and emergency call buttons for passenger use. [CNET]

Safety and Regulatory Approvals

Zoox addressed previous issues with erratic braking through software updates following an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). [CNET] Before launching paid robotaxi rides, Zoox is seeking exemptions from certain Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, including those related to windshield wipers and defrosting systems. The public can submit comments on Zoox’s application to NHTSA until April 10, 2026. [CNET]

Industry Context and Future Outlook

Uber currently partners with over 25 autonomous vehicle companies globally, including Waymo and China’s Baidu. [FOX5 Vegas] The company anticipates facilitating autonomous vehicle trips in as many as 15 cities by the end of 2026 and aims to be the largest facilitator of autonomous vehicle trips worldwide by 2029. [FOX5 Vegas] Goldman Sachs forecasts that more than 35,000 robotaxis will be operating in the U.S. By 2030, representing 8% of the rideshare market. [CNET]

“We are excited to partner with Uber, a company that shares our vision for transforming mobility,” said Aicha Evans, CEO of Zoox. “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 grasp and love the convenience of riding with Uber.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal]