Zoox Recalls 105 Self-Driving Cars Over Smoke Detection Failure

Amazon-owned Zoox has recalled its entire fleet of 105 self-driving vehicles in the United States due to a software flaw that may prevent the cars from detecting heavy smoke, potentially endangering first responders. The recall follows a June 20 incident where an unoccupied Zoox vehicle drove into an active fire scene, then braked hard and reversed after encountering smoke obscured by emergency operations Source: CNA.

The incident

On June 20, a Zoox autonomous vehicle encountered heavy smoke from a fire, entered the scene, and braked before stopping. Under remote guidance, it reversed, allowing firefighters to place cones. Zoox stated that a software update enhances the existing smoke detection and response capability Source: Al Jazeera.

Industry-wide scrutiny

Last week, NHTSA head Jonathan Morrison sent a letter to autonomous vehicle companies, citing a "clear pattern" of driverless vehicles interfering with first responders. He noted multiple cases of robotaxis driving into emergency scenes, blocking ambulances, or failing to recognize flares, smoke, and cones. "An AV that cannot safely interact with first responders is a danger to the general public," Morrison wrote Source: CNA. NHTSA plans meetings with developers by month end to find solutions.

The recall also highlights broader issues: Waymo vehicles have been involved in similar incidents, including blocking a fire truck route in Dallas and passing stopped school buses. Both NHTSA and the NTSB are investigating Source: Al Jazeera.