Published on: March 11, 2026, 05:21h.
Updated on: March 11, 2026, 05:22h.
- Pending regulatory approval, Zoox robotaxis could debut on the Strip via the Uber app as soon as this summer.
- Currently, Zoox rides can only be accessed from Resort World through the Zoox app.
- While the rides are complimentary, wait times often exceed 45 minutes.
Visitors to Las Vegas may soon be able to request Zoox robotaxis through the Uber app, following a collaboration announced by Uber on March 11 with the robotaxi company owned by Amazon. Subject to federal regulatory clearance, this partnership aims to integrate Zoox’s self-driving vehicles into Uber’s platform, beginning this summer in Las Vegas, with plans for Los Angeles to follow in 2027.
Zoox has been conducting limited trials offering free rides to the public in Las Vegas. These rides originate at Resorts World with stops at AREA15, Topgolf, New York-New York, and Luxor — with additional stops at the Sphere and T-Mobile announced but not yet operational.
Weekend wait times for a complimentary Zoox ride from Resorts World are typically around 45 minutes or longer after a reservation is made.
The partnership means that Uber will connect riders with Zoox robotaxis for eligible trips. Passengers will still have the option to book directly through the Zoox app. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi referred to Zoox as an “ideal collaborator,” praising the firm’s autonomous driving technology and focus on safety.
Before starting paid services, Zoox must secure exemptions from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, which are based on conventional vehicle controls and features. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently accepting public input on Zoox’s exemption request until April 10.
Founded in 2014 and acquired by Amazon in 2020, Zoox enters an expanding U.S. robotaxi market, which is predominantly led by Waymo, operating fully autonomous services in 10 cities. Uber is currently partnered with 25 autonomous vehicle operators globally, including collaborations with Waymo in Atlanta and Austin, as well as China’s Baidu, which plans to initiate testing in London this year.
Goldman Sachs estimates that the number of robotaxis in the U.S. could rise from 1,500 currently to over 35,000 by 2030, potentially capturing about 8% of the rideshare market.
Challenges Ahead
Zoox’s testing phase has encountered certain challenges. In April, one of its robotaxis rear-ended a stationary vehicle on an unidentified Las Vegas roadway. Although no injuries occurred, a voluntary recall of 270 vehicles was enacted, and a software glitch was identified and rectified.
Additionally, a video circulating online in January depicted a Zoox self-driving taxi idling for several minutes at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Harmon Avenue. Footage shared on social media showed the taxi maneuvering slightly back and forth without successfully exiting the intersection even as traffic resumed.
“Safety is our priority at Zoox,” the company stated in response to the incident. “We are aware of this occurrence and are currently investigating. We remain dedicated to continuously improving our services.”