Zoox asks federal regulators for exemption to launch a commercial robotaxi service

Core Insights - Zoox, an Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company, has requested a federal exemption to commercially deploy its custom-built robotaxis, which do not have traditional controls like pedals and a steering wheel [1][2] - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently reviewing Zoox's application for a temporary exemption from eight Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards [2][4] - This request follows significant milestones, including the launch of a free robotaxi service in Las Vegas and a previous exemption granted by the NHTSA for public road demonstrations [3][4] Group 1 - Zoox has submitted a petition for a "555 exemption" and is collaborating with the NHTSA during the exemption process [1] - The NHTSA will publish a notice for public comment after its initial review of Zoox's application [2] - The August exemption allowed Zoox to demonstrate its vehicles on public roads, but the current application aims to expand this to commercial operations [4] Group 2 - The August exemption was part of the NHTSA's expanded Automated Vehicle Exemption Program [5]