Zoox opens new production facility where its purpose-built robotaxis will be built [Video]

Robotaxi developer Zoox has cut the ribbon on the first serial production facility for purpose-built robotaxi vehicles in the United States. This new cutting-edge facility will be able to assemble thousands of Zoox’s unique autonomous vehicles each year as its commercial services expand.

Zoox is a California-based Robotaxi developer that continues to expand its network of test vehicles to make way for the rollout of its unique purpose-built vehicle, unlike anything else on the roads.

While much of Zoox’s current test fleet consists of existing vehicles retrofitted with sensors and cameras, Zoox has designed and delivered an entirely purpose-built EV without pedals or a steering wheel. We’ve seen those Robotaxis roll off Zoox’s existing production line in Fremont, California, before hitting Bay Area and Las Vegas roads.

Today, Zoox officially opened a second production facility closer to its California headquarters. This facility will house dedicated assembly lines for its bespoke robotaxis. Zoox’s latest video, which you can view below, provides an in-depth look at those new production lines.

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Zoox moves Robotaxi production to new CA facility

This morning, Zoox shared an exciting look at its new production facility, which was described as a “first of its kind” for purpose-built robotaxi assembly in the US. Per Zoox, the 220,000 square-foot plant is located in Hayward, California, and consists of one assembly line which, at full scale, can produce 10,000 robotaxis per year.

In addition to serial production, Zoox’s second facility will house robotaxi engineering, software and hardware integration, component storage, shipping and receiving, plus the end-of-line testing required before any vehicles are deployed.

Zoox made efforts to ensure its new state-of-the-art plant was sustainable and based in the US to create an environment in which autonomous robots and humans work side by side to build fully autonomous robotaxis. Per Zoox:

Constructing a state-of-the-art facility also provided an opportunity to showcase our values at Zoox. The facility is situated near our Foster City headquarters, fostering collaboration between engineers and other teams. Zoox owns, operates, and assembles these purpose-built robotaxis, giving the company oversight of the entire process end-to-end and the opportunity to flex the production depending on expansion and market demand. As the robotaxi design advances, the facility’s unique layout and building equipment will be able to accommodate these future changes and features. 

In an assembly facility focused on building autonomous robots, our Zoox crew remains an essential part of the manufacturing process. Robots on the floor are primarily used for specific tasks, such as applying adhesive for glass installation (which requires precision to avoid leaks and smudges) and transporting the robotaxi down the assembly line, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow. The rest is done manually.

Zoox shared that its initial facility in the Bay Area has been repurposed into a dedicated facility for its retrofitted test fleet and sensor pod configuration. While production of the purpose-built robotaxis is exciting to see, much of Zoox’s US operations revolve around the retrofits for now.

Zoox has said that paid robotaxi rides to the public will begin in Las Vegas soon, followed by San Francisco. Other cities like Austin and Miami will join, but not for a few years. Meanwhile, Zoox continues testing other areas such as Los Angeles and, most recently, Atlanta.

In the meantime, Zoox provided a look at the assembly of its purpose-built robotaxi vehicles before they make their way out into the real world. Check it out: