Zoox Recalls Robotaxis After Las Vegas Smoke Incident

Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company Zoox has issued a recall following an incident where one of its robotaxis drove directly into a thick cloud of smoke near the Las Vegas Strip. The event, which occurred in late May, prompted a federal investigation after the self-driving taxi failed to properly navigate the hazardous conditions.

The recall affects 258 vehicles equipped with Zoox's autonomous driving system, though the company says no injuries were reported.

According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the robotaxi was traveling on Harmon Avenue when it encountered heavy smoke from a nearby fire. Instead of stopping or rerouting, the vehicle continued forward, driving through the smoke cloud at low speed.

Zoox's internal review found that the system's perception software did not correctly identify the smoke as an obstacle requiring immediate avoidance. The company has since updated its software to better detect unusual visual obstructions and is working with regulators to ensure compliance.

This marks the first major recall for Zoox since it began commercial operations in Las Vegas and parts of California. The incident highlights a persistent challenge for autonomous vehicle developers: handling unpredictable environmental scenarios like smoke, fog, or dust storms.

Zoox emphasized that its vehicles are designed to prioritize safety, and the recall is a proactive step to address the software flaw before it leads to a more serious outcome. The company expects all affected vehicles to receive the over-the-air update within the next two weeks.