Autonomous vehicle company Zoox has partnered with Resorts World Las Vegas in the first collaboration between a robotaxi service and a Strip property, officials announced.
The alliance creates a dedicated pickup and drop-off location at Resorts World for Zoox's autonomous ride-hailing services. Resorts World also promised Zoox "additional onsite opportunities, including an experiential activation within the resort."
"This collaboration with Zoox reflects our commitment to integrating technology solutions that elevate our service offerings and enhance how guests experience our property," said Carlos Castro, president and CFO of Resorts World. "By welcoming Zoox robotaxis into our transportation ecosystem, we're creating new possibilities for our guests, while reinforcing Las Vegas's position as a global innovation hub."
Zoox robotaxis have operated on Las Vegas public roads since June 2023. Nevada became the company's second state of operations after California in 2019. Vehicle testing began around the company's southwest valley headquarters using Toyota Highlanders to map the area and gather driving data.
In November, Zoox announced it would begin testing robotaxis on the Strip to prepare for transporting tourists and locals along the boulevard. Officials noted the Strip's challenging environment, with "complex driving scenarios, including more than eight lanes with multiple turning lanes, high speeds, heavy pedestrian traffic and large-scale intersections."
Both Toyota Highlanders and the boxy robotaxis now operate in the Resort Corridor. The bi-directional robotaxi reaches 75 mph forward and backward and seats up to four passengers in carriage-style seating designed to "create a superior ride experience."
Data from the Strip testing will help "train" the fleet until Zoox launches driverless rides to the general public later this year.
"Zoox and Resorts World share a joint focus on creating superior customer experiences," said Michael White, chief product officer at Zoox. "When visitors ride with Zoox, they'll find the service offers an extension of the signature hospitality they've come to expect from Resorts World's collection of premium brands, including Hilton, Conrad, and Crockfords. This partnership will allow us to enhance the overall guest journey, adding to their Las Vegas experience with personalized mobility."
Last month, the Amazon subsidiary's robotaxis returned to Las Vegas after a software recall affecting 270 vehicles following an April collision. An unoccupied Zoox robotaxi collided with a passenger vehicle on April 8, resulting in no injuries and minor damage to both vehicles, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report filed May 1.
The recall fixed a defect in the automated driving system that could lead to inaccurate prediction of other vehicles' movements, potentially increasing crash risk.